DC’s team looks great in the teamsheet, but there are many weaknesses in the team. Captain Akshar Patel will be mainly troubled by these three players.
Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, Delhi Capitals had qualified for the playoffs several seasons ago. However, the Axar Patel-led side was very close to the qualification round last season and missed the knockouts by just one spot.
They will not have players like Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk, who were the opening batsmen for the team in the last edition. Delhi Capitals will promote KL Rahul to the new role of opener.
3 players who are the biggest burden for DC in IPL 2026
Mitchell Starc
Former Australian T20 fast bowler Mitchell Starc has performed to the best of his ability in the last two seasons. He was the star of KKR in the 2024 season and then took many important wickets in the next season for the 2025 season.
However, Mitchell Starc’s availability has been a major concern. He left the DC unit midway through last season, while on the other hand, his availability has been pushed back this season. Cricket Australia has not issued NOC to Starc citing workload.
Starc has been in great form and will be a massive positive for the DC unit; However, his availability is a major concern for the franchise.
T Natarajan
Natarajan, another fast bowler in the Delhi Capitals lineup, missed the majority of the 2026 season after being bought for a huge sum. The Capitals found him playing only on a few occasions and the death overs specialist suffered a massive beating.
Natarajan’s poor form in the game has been a matter of concern. The left-hander will need to be available for the entire season, but the headache for DC will be Natarajan’s persistent injuries. The left arm fast bowler may have trouble at low pace.
In Starc’s absence, the death overs will be a big concern as slower balls are not always effective in the death overs in the IPL. Lungi Ngidi has mastered the slower ball but yorkers are what get you victory in the death overs and hence, Natarajan’s lack of form will be a matter of concern.
Abhishek Porel
Finally, Bengal wicketkeeper batsman Abhishek Porel emerged as their main wicketkeeper in the team. Although KL Rahul may take over the captaincy, Porel will still be an essential player at the top of the order.
Karun Nair had played in the top order last time also. However, Porel has continued to be helpful in the DC batting order. The Bengal player’s form is not a matter of concern, but he is not ideal for the shortest format of the game.
Additionally, they will not be able to pick other overseas batsmen like Pathum Nissanka and Ben Duckett as the overseas slot is filled for the Capitals. Porel will be crucial to their top-order, and his lack of form will be a concern for the Axarpetel-led side.
Also Read: 3 players who are the biggest burden for RR in IPL 2026 – ft. Jofra Archer