Delhi Capitals — Released & Retained Players 2026
Last updated: January 27, 2026
This page lists the confirmed retained and released players for Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2026 season, following official squad announcements.
Delhi Capitals Retained Players
| Player | Role | Overseas |
| Axar Patel | All-rounder | — |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Bowler | — |
| Jake Fraser-McGurk | Batter | 🌍 |
| Tristan Stubbs | Batter | 🌍 |
| Abishek Porel | Wicketkeeper | — |
Released Players
| Player | Role | Overseas |
| Rishabh Pant | Wicketkeeper | — |
| David Warner | Batter | 🌍 |
| Anrich Nortje | Bowler | 🌍 |
| Mitchell Marsh | All-rounder | 🌍 |
| Prithvi Shaw | Batter | — |
Notes
- Captaincy update: KL Rahul joined as captain via the auction (replacing Rishabh Pant).
- Strategy: Retained the high-impact young overseas batting core.
DC Retention & Release Strategy
Delhi Capitals prioritise versatility and athletic profiles when retaining players. DC often back multi-skill cricketers who provide tactical options across match phases.
Releases are used to optimise balance rather than overhaul the squad. This measured approach allows Delhi to evolve gradually while preserving system coherence.
Released & Retained FAQ
What does “retained players” mean in the IPL?
Retained players are those kept by the franchise ahead of the auction.
What does “released players” mean?
Released players re-enter the IPL auction pool and are free to be signed by other teams.
Can released players rejoin the same team?
Yes. Teams may buy back released players during the auction.
When are released and retained players announced?
These decisions are typically announced several weeks before the IPL auction.
Will this page be updated after the auction?
Yes. This page reflects confirmed roster decisions and official announcements.