Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals head into 2026 with a sense of unfinished business. Star all-rounder Axar Patel remains the heartbeat of the franchise, leading a squad that blends fearless youth with world-class spin. After a series of close calls, the Capitals have focused on strengthening their lower-middle order to ensure they finish games as strongly as they start them.

The top order relies on the attack of Ben Duckett and the steady hand of KL Rahul. However, it is the spin twins — Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav — who serve as the team’s greatest weapon, often stifling opposition on the slow Delhi tracks.

With star pacers like Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi still in the camp, DC look like a well-oiled machine poised for a deep run.
Delhi Capitals
AXAR-PATEL
Captain
Axar Rajeshbhai Patel
Team Stats
Played
278
Won
127
Lost
148
Tied
0
N/R
3
Head Coach
Hemang Kamal Badani
Batting Coach
Ian Ronald Bell
Bowling Coach
Munaf Musa Patel

DC Squad

Team
Batters
Wicket Keepers
All Rounders
Bowlers
Delhi Capitals (DC), originally known as Delhi Daredevils, have been a part of the Indian Premier League since its inception in 2008. Despite being one of the most consistent teams in the tournament, they are still in search of their maiden IPL title. Over the years, DC has built a reputation for nurturing young talents and combining them with seasoned campaigners. As the team heads into the 2025 season, they have made bold moves to turn their fortunes around. Last season, Delhi Capitals were one of four teams to finish with 14 points but missed out on the playoffs due to an inferior net run rate. Determined to break their title drought, DC has made significant changes to their squad, including appointing a new captain. In a surprising yet strategic move, they named India’s dependable all-rounder Axar Patel as their skipper, making them the last team to announce their leader for the season. Axar Patel, known for his calm demeanor and impactful performances, was one of four players retained by the franchise, alongside spinner Kuldeep Yadav, promising wicketkeeper Abishek Porel, and dynamic batter Tristan Stubbs. Along with retaining core members, Delhi Capitals have made some star-studded additions to the squad. Australian pace sensation Mitchell Starc, South African batting stalwart Faf du Plessis, Indian batter KL Rahul and experienced batter Karun Nair add tremendous depth and stability to the lineup. The batting department now boasts an intimidating combination of youth and experience. Faf du Plessis, KL Rahul, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Karun Nair join hands with Tristan Stubbs and Abishek Porel to form a formidable top and middle order. The all-rounder brigade, led by Axar Patel and supported by Donovan Ferreira, Ajay Mandal, and Manvath Kumar, ensures a balanced approach to both innings. DC's bowling unit looks equally impressive, featuring a lethal combination of pace and spin. The spin department is well-set with captain Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, while the fast-bowling attack has received a massive boost with the inclusion of Mitchell Starc, T Natarajan, Dushmantha Chameera and the experienced Mohit Sharma. The mix of fiery pace and strategic spin makes DC's bowling lineup one of the most versatile in the tournament. With a renewed sense of purpose and a balanced squad blending youthful enthusiasm and seasoned experience, Delhi Capitals are all set to launch another spirited quest for their elusive first title.

DC Stats and Performance

Since the inception of the IPL in 2008, Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) have had a topsy-turvy run against other franchises. They've historically struggled against strong teams like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, with below-average win ratios. However, they've maintained competitive records against sides like Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. DC's performances saw a notable rise after their rebranding in 2019, reaching the playoffs multiple times and finishing as runners-up in 2020. Despite lacking an IPL title, they've built a solid core and remain a formidable side, especially in recent seasons.
All
Team
Batting
Bowling

DC Highest Team Score

Year
Score
Match Against
2026
264
Punjab Kings
2024
257
Mumbai Indians
2020
228
Kolkata Knight Riders
DC win % Against Other IPL Teams
Batting
Highest Score
KL-RAHUL
KL Rahul
152
Bowling
Best Bowling
default
Amit Mishra
5/17
Most Wickets
default
Amit Mishra
106
In recent developments, DC faced a setback with England batsman Harry Brook withdrawing from the IPL 2025 season to prepare for England's upcoming series, leading to a potential two-year ban for Brook from participating in future IPL seasons, as per league regulations.

DC Performance In Past Year

Year
Position
Top Scorer
Most Wickets
2025
5
539 - K L Rahul
15 W - Kuldeep Yadav
2024
6
446 - Rishabh Pant
17 W - Khaleel Ahmed
2023
9
516 - David Warner
12 W - Mitchell Marsh
2022
5
432 - David Warner
21 W - Kuldeep Yadav
2021
3
587 - Shikhar Dhawan
24 W - Avesh Khan
2020
2
618 - Shikhar Dhawan
30 W - Kagiso Rabada
2019
3
521 - Shikhar Dhawan
25 W - Kagiso Rabada
2018
8
684 - Rishabh Pant
18 W - Trent Boult
2017
6
386 - Sanju Samson
15 W - Pat Cummins
2016
6
445 - Quinton de Kock
13 W - Amit Mishra
2015
7
439 - Shreyas Iyer
15 W - Nathan Coulter-Nile
2014
8
410 - JP Duminy
9 W - Imran Tahir
2013
9
410 - David Warner
16 W - Umesh Yadav
2012
3
495 - Virender Sehwag
25 W - Morne Morkel
2011
10
424 - Virender Sehwag
13 W - Morne Morkel
2010
5
356 - Virender Sehwag
17 W - Amit Mishra
2009
3
465 - AB de Villiers
19 W - Ashish Nehra
2008
4
534 - Gautam Gambhir
16 W - Yo Mahesh
In the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the Delhi Capitals finished sixth, achieving seven wins and seven losses, narrowly missing the playoffs. Captain Rishabh Pant led with 446 runs, while Jake Fraser-McGurk impressed with 330 runs at a striking rate of 234.04. The team recorded their highest-ever IPL total, scoring 257/4 against Mumbai Indians. Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar emerged as the leading wicket-takers with 17 wickets.

DC Team Performance In Past Year

Year
Played
Won
Lost
Win%
2026
12
5
7
41.67
2025
14
7
6
50.00
2024
14
7
7
50.00
2023
14
5
9
35.71
2022
14
7
7
50.00
2021
16
10
6
62.50
2020
17
9
8
52.94
2019
16
10
6
62.50
2018
14
5
9
35.71
2017
14
6
8
42.86
2016
14
7
7
50.00
2015
14
5
8
35.71
2014
14
2
12
14.29
2013
16
3
13
18.75
2012
18
11
7
61.11
2011
14
4
9
28.57
2010
14
7
7
50.00
2009
15
10
5
66.67
2008
14
7
7
50.00

DC Captains performance in past years

Name
Matches
Won
Lost
Win%
52
28
24
53.85
43
24
19
55.81
41
23
18
56.10
25
11
13
44.00
23
10
13
43.48
21
10
11
47.62
16
6
9
37.50
16
5
11
31.25
3
2
1
66.67

DC Man of the Match Awards

Name
Matches
Award Count
While Delhi Capitals’ batting lineup looks promising, their bowling unit could be their biggest strength this season. Mitchell Starc’s express pace, T Natarajan’s pinpoint yorkers, and Mukesh Kumar’s consistency give DC a lethal pace attack. Veteran Mohit Sharma adds valuable experience to the mix.

Kuldeep Yadav will be leading the spin department, with support from Axar Patel, who has evolved as a genuine all-rounder. The variety and depth in the bowling unit will allow DC to adapt to different conditions and restrict opponents effectively.

On the batting front, Faf du Plessis’ stability at the top, Karun Nair’s elegance, and Jake Fraser-McGurk’s aggression can provide DC with solid starts. KL Rahul’s experience as a finisher and Tristan Stubbs’ power-hitting ability add depth to the middle order.

If Axar Patel can handle the pressure of captaincy and make smart tactical decisions, DC might finally end their long wait for the IPL trophy.