Delhi Capitals Make Strategic Moves in IPL 2026 Player Auction
Delhi Capitals' Bold Auction Strategy
Abu Dhabi [UAE], December 17: The IPL 2026 Player Auction held in Abu Dhabi witnessed a remarkable display of talent, particularly from uncapped Indian players, as the Delhi Capitals made significant acquisitions, including the promising Auqib Nabi Dar.
In addition to emerging domestic talents, the franchise also secured experienced international players, enhancing their squad with the likes of David Miller, England's Ben Duckett, and Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka, as reported by a DC release.
The auction commenced with the Delhi Capitals acquiring seasoned South African batter David Miller for Rs 2 crore, marking him as the first player sold. The 36-year-old has a wealth of IPL experience, having played 141 matches and scored 3,077 runs, including 13 fifties and one century.
Upon Miller's acquisition, Head Coach Badani expressed his satisfaction, stating, “We’re thrilled to have David Miller join our squad. His left-handed batting strengthens our middle order, and his extensive experience in the IPL is invaluable. We believe we secured him at a fantastic price.”
Next, the Capitals welcomed England's Ben Duckett, who was signed for Rs 2 crore, marking his debut in the IPL. Duckett has an impressive record of 5,397 runs in 216 T20 matches at a strike rate of 140.18, including 34 half-centuries.
One of the highlights of the auction was the signing of uncapped Indian all-rounder Auqib Nabi Dar for Rs 8.40 crore, following a competitive bidding process. The 29-year-old from Jammu and Kashmir has been in stellar form, recently taking 15 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate below eight in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
To further enhance their batting lineup, the Capitals acquired Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka for Rs 4 crore. Nissanka, Sri Lanka's top T20I run-scorer, has accumulated 2,345 runs in 79 T20Is with an average of 31.68 and a strike rate of 126.96.
The franchise also reinforced their bowling attack with the return of South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who was bought for Rs 2 crore. Ngidi, who previously played for the Capitals in 2022, has taken 77 T20I wickets in 55 matches at an economy of 8.82.
Additionally, the Capitals signed opener Sahil Parakh for Rs 30 lakh. The left-handed batsman made a mark in the Maharashtra Premier League, scoring 202 runs at a strike rate of 177.19, contributing to a title-winning campaign with the Eagle Nashik Titans.
Prithvi Shaw also made a return to the Delhi Capitals for Rs 75 lakh. The right-hander, who joined the franchise in 2018 and had a standout season in 2021 with 479 runs, is back in familiar colors ahead of IPL 2026.
Concluding their auction strategy, the Capitals secured New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson for Rs 2 crore. Jamieson has taken 14 wickets in 13 IPL matches at an economy of 9.67.
Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Chairman and Co-Owner of Delhi Capitals, commented on the new additions, saying, “We entered the auction with a clear strategy and successfully acquired most of our targeted players. We focused on experienced overseas batsmen like David Miller and Ben Duckett to strengthen our lineup while also investing in future talents like Sahil Parakh. We believe we have built a well-rounded squad, and if we perform as a cohesive unit, we stand a strong chance this season. Our fans deserve the best.”
Regarding Prithvi Shaw's re-signing, he added, “Prithvi has previously excelled for Delhi Capitals. Every player faces challenges, and this is a chance for him to make a strong comeback. We view this as a second opportunity for Prithvi, and I look forward to seeing him return to Delhi and give his all for the team.”
Parth Jindal, co-owner of Delhi Capitals and founder of JSW Sports, remarked on the emergence of uncapped players at the IPL 2026 Auction, stating, “The IPL continues to evolve as a franchise-based league. Scouting has become crucial, and many players were already recognized before the auction as potential big-money signings. The IPL is a platform where young domestic players can establish themselves and eventually represent India. While some may be unknown to the public, they are well-known to all franchises, who are eager to find the next big talent.”
Delhi Capitals Squad after IPL Auction 2026:
David Miller (bought for ₹2 crore)
Ben Duckett (bought for ₹2 crore)
Auqib Nabi Dar (bought for ₹8.40 crore)
Pathum Nissanka (bought for ₹4 crore)
Lungi Ngidi (bought for ₹2 crore)
Sahil Parakh (bought for ₹30 lakh)
Prithvi Shaw (bought for ₹75 lakh)
Kyle Jamieson (bought for ₹2 crore)
Abishek Porel (retained)
Ajay Mandal (retained)
Ashutosh Sharma (retained)
Axar Patel (retained)
Dushmantha Chameera (retained)
Karun Nair (retained)
KL Rahul (retained)
Kuldeep Yadav (retained)
Madhav Tiwari (retained)
Mitchell Starc (retained)
Sameer Rizvi (retained)
T Natarajan (retained)
Tripurana Vijay (retained)
Tristan Stubbs (retained)
Vipraj Nigam (retained)
Mukesh Kumar (retained)
Nitish Rana (traded in).