as a countdown to ipl 2026 The excitement all around begins Delhi Capitals (DC) The fever has reached its peak. After a hectic auction, where the franchise made strategic moves to fix its middle-order problems, the former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif And Cheteshwar Pujara Have considered your estimated final eleven. While both experts agree to include KL Rahul Provides a massive boost, they remain divided on the ideal opening partner and the structure of the bowling attack.
DC is ready to start its campaign against it Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Wednesday, April 1 at Ekana Stadium. After an up-and-down 2025 season where they missed the playoffs, the pressure is on the captain Akshar Patel Leading a new team to its first title.
Cheteshwar Pujara confident of all-India opening pair and David Miller’s finisher role
Pujara’s approach for DC revolves around stability at the top and explosive power in the middle. He has advocated an all-India opening pair consisting of Rahul and retained youngsters Abhishek Porel. Interestingly, Pujara has displayed versatility Tristan Stubbs At No. 3, a position the South African has not traditionally occupied in the IPL, but a position that could allow him to dictate the pace of the game.
The main attraction of Pujara’s XI is his confidence david miller. DC acquired the experienced South African at a cheap price of ₹2 crore during the December auction. Miller, who struggled with LSG in 2025, is seen by Pujara as the X-factor who can solve Delhi’s historic middle-order collapse.
“He will be a very important player for them. He can change the course of the game at any time. If 70-80 runs are needed in 30 balls then Miller can do it on the home ground of Delhi.” Pujara said during his analysis on Star Sports.
Pujara’s prediction for DC XI: KL Rahul, Abhishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Nitish Rana, Axar Patel, Ashutosh Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar/T Natarajan.
Also read: IPL 2026: KL Rahul ready for clear role as Delhi Capitals look for stability
Mohammad Kaif favors international firepower with Pathum Nissanka
Mohammad KaifThe former DC assistant coach took a different tactical route. He believes that the franchise should take advantage of the tremendous form of the Sri Lankan opener Pathum NissankaWhich were bought for ₹ 4 crores. Kaif envisions a strong opening partnership between Nissanka and Rahul, which will force the Indian domestic talent lower down the order.
There is room for tough competition in Kaif’s lineup too Sameer Rizvi At number four, priority is given to youth and aggressive intentions. Unlike Pujara, Kaif opted out Ashutosh Sharma To maintain the balance of left-handed batsmen in the lower-middle order with Miller Akshar Patel. Kaif has hope in the bowling department T Natarajan And Mitchell Starc To carry the pace battery Mukesh KumarCreating a lethal death-bowling combination.
Kaif’s prediction for DC XI: KL Rahul, Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar.
With an all-round team and strategic business Nitish RanaDelhi Capitals appear to have their most balanced roster in years. Whether they bank on Pujara’s local consistency or Kaif’s international talent, the quest for the 2026 trophy begins under the lights in Lucknow.
Also read: Delhi Capitals has appointed the England legend as assistant coach ahead of IPL 2026.
