Following the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025, the owners of the Delhi Capitals (DC) have expressed optimism about their team's chances in the upcoming season. The franchise, co-owned by GMR Group and JSW Sports, entered the auction with a clear strategy, aiming to bolster their squad with experienced players and promising talent.
Parth Jindal, co-owner of Delhi Capitals, shared his thoughts on the team's acquisitions, highlighting the strategic rationale behind each pick. "I think we came in with a clear plan," Jindal stated, emphasizing the importance of securing an experienced finisher. The acquisition of South African veteran David Miller for his base price of INR 2 crore was a significant move in this direction. Jindal noted, "I don't think you can do better than (David) Miller... Since he came early, we were able to get him at an incredible price". He further added that Miller's experience, combined with the potential of Tristan Stubbs, would significantly strengthen the team's middle order.
Another key addition to the Delhi Capitals' lineup is England wicketkeeper-batter Ben Duckett, who was also acquired for his base price of INR 2 crore. Jindal highlighted Duckett's unique skillset, saying, "With Ben Duckett, we got someone who loves to reverse-sweep, even in Test cricket".
Addressing the need to improve their powerplay bowling, the Delhi Capitals invested in young Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar. DC secured Nabi for INR 8.4 crore after a bidding war with Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Jindal explained that the team had been tracking Nabi, recognizing his potential to take wickets in the crucial early overs. Auqib had a base price of Rs 30 lakh. In the first half of the Ranji Trophy, Nabi has taken 29 wickets in five matches at an average of 13.27, including a best haul of 7 for 24. Nabi's white-ball form has been equally impressive. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he claimed 15 wickets in seven matches at an economy of 7.41.
In a surprising turn of events, Delhi Capitals also picked up Prithvi Shaw for his base price of INR 75 lakh in the final accelerated session of the auction. Shaw, who went unsold initially, was given another opportunity by the franchise that first recognized his potential. DC co-owners Parth Jindal and Kiran Gandhi, having watched Shaw closely, decided to bring him back. Shaw has scored 1892 IPL runs in 79 matches for the Delhi Capitals.
The Delhi Capitals retained senior Indian players like Axar Patel and KL Rahul, along with young talents like Abishek Porel and Tristan Stubbs. The franchise traded in Nitish Rana from Rajasthan Royals. The team management seems confident that they have assembled a balanced squad capable of performing consistently throughout the season. With a mix of experience and youth, the Delhi Capitals aim to capture their maiden IPL title in 2026.
Following the auction, social media platforms buzzed with discussions about the Delhi Capitals' picks, with many experts and fans expressing their opinions on the team's strategy and potential. Shikhar Dhawan congratulated Delhi Capitals for breaking their banks for the uncapped Indian players.
