Delhi Capitals' Strategic Moves in IPL 2026 Auction
The IPL 2026 auction, held on December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, witnessed the Delhi Capitals (DC) making significant player acquisitions. With a purse of ?21.8 crore, the franchise was strategic in their approach, spending ?21.45 crore to enhance their squad for the upcoming season.
Key Acquisitions of the Auction
DC’s auction opened with the signing of experienced South African batter, David Miller. Miller brings a wealth of experience with 3,077 runs from 141 IPL matches, a solid average of 35.77, and a striking strike rate of 138.60, highlighting his potential impact.
Among the noteworthy signings was Auqib Nabi, an uncapped fast bowler from Jammu & Kashmir, acquired for a striking ?8.40 crore. Nabi's T20 record includes 43 wickets across 34 matches, boasting an impressive average of 21.81 and an economy rate of 7.74, making him a promising addition.
Strengthening the Batting Lineup
To fortify their top order, DC acquired two overseas openers: Ben Duckett from England for ?2 crore and Pathum Nissanka from Sri Lanka for ?4 crore. These additions aim to bolster the batting lineup significantly as the capital franchises aim for a strong performance in the tournament.
Enhancing the Bowling Attack
DC also added strong bowling assets, including Lungi Ngidi, a South African seamer who previously played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), signing him at his base price of ?2 crore.
Furthermore, they secured uncapped talent Sahil Parakh for ?30 lakh, expanding their roster with fresh talent.
Returning Faces
In a significant return, former opener Prithvi Shaw rejoined the franchise for ?75 lakh. Shaw has played 79 IPL matches for DC, accumulating 1,892 runs with an average of 23.94 and a striking 147.46 strike rate. His experience and previous performance enhance the team’s profile.
Completing the Roster
Finally, DC rounded off their shopping spree by acquiring New Zealand seamer Kyle Jamieson for his base price of ?2 crore, adding depth to their bowling lineup.
IPL 2026 Player Overview
| Player Name | Role | Price (INR) | Matches Played | Total Runs/Wickets |
|---|
| David Miller | Batter | Not disclosed | 141 | 3,077 runs |
| Auqib Nabi | Bowler | 8.40 crore | 34 | 43 wickets |
| Ben Duckett | Batter | 2 crore | - | - |
| Pathum Nissanka | Batter | 4 crore | - | - |
| Lungi Ngidi | Bowler | 2 crore | - | - |
| Sahil Parakh | Bowler | 30 lakh | - | - |
| Prithvi Shaw | Batter | 75 lakh | 79 | 1,892 runs |
| Kyle Jamieson | Bowler | 2 crore | - | - |
In total, the Delhi Capitals have made significant investments in talent, focusing on strengthening both their batting and bowling departments for a promising campaign in IPL 2026.