ipl 2026 auction Scheduled to be held around December 15, 2025. As teams prepare for the mini-auction, retention decisions become important for franchises to maintain a core team while managing the purse for new signings. Delhi Capitals (DC) There will be keen strategizing on which players to retain after mixed performances in the ipl 2025 Season.
Mixed performance of Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025
Delhi Capitals have shown promising form at the start of IPL 2025, winning their first four games in a row, indicating a strong campaign under the new captain. Akshar PatelHowever, inconsistency affected their middle and final stages, and they finished fifth on the points table with 15 points from 14 matches, missing the playoffs. Batting was a matter of concern for DC, on which the team depended heavily KL RahulWho was the top run-scorer with 539 runs including one century. The rest of the batting lineup struggled to make a consistent impact. led the bowling attack -Kuldeep Yadav And Axar performed brilliantly, defeating particularly well-known opponents, but the overall support was weak, making the season a disappointing one for DC.
Delhi Capitals may retain five Indian players for IPL 2026
1. Axar Patel (captain and all-rounder)
Axar has been the backbone of Delhi Capitals, leading them as captain in IPL 2025. An all-rounder who made valuable contributions with both bat and ball, he played 12 matches and scored 263 runs at an average of 26.30 and a strike rate of 157.48. With his left-arm spin and ability to stabilize the innings, Axar remains a key man around whom DC’s core will revolve.
2. KL Rahul (wicketkeeper batsman)
Rahul remains DC’s most reliable batsman and wicketkeeper, scoring 539 runs in IPL 2025 at an impressive average of 53.90 and strike rate of 149.72, which includes one century and three half-centuries. His versatility to bat in multiple top-order positions and provide wicketkeeping options makes him indispensable for DC ahead of the auction.
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3. Ashutosh Sharma (all-rounder)
A promising young all-rounder, Ashutosh Sharma Played 13 matches for DC in IPL 2025 and scored 204 runs at an average of 29.14 and a strike rate of over 160. With his useful bowling contributions and ability to hit big shots, Ashutosh is seen as a player with the potential to develop further, who fits well into DC’s balance of youth and experience.
4. Kuldeep Yadav (left arm wrist spinner)
Kuldeep is a key spinner for Delhi, taking 15 wickets at an economy rate of 7.07 and an average of 24.06 in 14 matches during IPL 2025. Known for his wicket-taking ability and control, Kuldeep’s experience and craft make him a valuable retention option to lead the spin attack.
5. Vipraj Nigam (Leg Spinning Bowling Allrounder)
Vipraraj Nigam Is an emerging talent who impressed with both bat and ball in 14 matches in IPL 2025. He took 11 wickets at an economy of 9.12 and demonstrated his all-round utility, contributing 142 runs at an average of 20.28 with a strike rate close to 180. His youthful potential fits in with DC’s strategy of grooming future stars
These five Indian players represent a strong blend of leadership, batting reliability, spin bowling skills and emerging young talent, making them ideal retention options for Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2026 auction. Retaining this core will provide stability, while allowing DC to look for new foreign and domestic talent to further strengthen their team.
