What are Delhi Capitals chances to win the IPL 2026?
Last update: 31 Mar 2026, 06:17
The Delhi Capitals go into the IPL 2026 season as the most unpredictable team in the tournament. Though the Delhi Capitals have been in the league since 2008, they are still one of the few teams yet to lift the coveted IPL trophy and are regarded as underachieving despite having a talented team in recent years.
Going into the 2026 season, DC has chosen a bold approach by building a core side with players like KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, and Axar Patel. The team has the potential to compete with the league’s best sides, but their biggest problem is consistency.
This article gives you insights into the Delhi Capitals’ squad strength, the IPL betting odds for DC among the bookmakers and most importantly, an expert prediction on where this team might sit at the end of IPL 2026.
Squad Details for IPL 2026
Delhi Capitals have assembled a well-rounded yet somewhat unconventional team for the IPL 2026 season. Unlike the previous years, when the team was dependent on a few stars, the current team has a number of match-winners.
Delhi Capitals (DC) Squad
Captain: Axar Patel
Batters: Karun Nair, David Miller, Pathum Nissanka, Sahil Parakh, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul (WK), Abishek Porel (WK), Tristan Stubbs (WK), Ben Duckett (WK)
All-Rounders: Axar Patel, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Ajay Mandal, Madhav Tiwari, Tripurana Vijay, Vipraj Nigam, Nitish Rana, Auqib Dar
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc, T. Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Lungisani Ngidi, Dushmantha Chameera, Kyle Jamieson
Key retentions include:
- Axar Patel (Captain)
- KL Rahul
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mitchell Starc
- Tristan Stubbs
Auction additions include:
- David Miller
- Pathum Nissanka
- Auqib Nabi Dar
- Lungi Ngidi
- Prithvi Shaw (re-signed)
This is a clear strategy: strengthen middle-order power + strengthen bowling depth.
Players to Look out for
- KL Rahul
One of the most consistent T20 batsmen in the world. Rahul’s role at the top will set the tone for DC’s batting stability. - Axar Patel
Now leading the team, Axar provides all-around balance and tactical variety. His leadership will be tested. - Mitchell Starc
A game-changer with the new ball and in death overs – if he’s available in full fitness. His availability remains a major talking point. - Kuldeep Yadav
DC’s primary wicket-taker in the middle overs. Essential on slow Indian pitches. - David Miller
A seasoned finisher who provides much-needed experience to DC’s middle order.
Based on the current squad composition and recent reports, the possible playing XI for DC could be:
DC Dream11 Prediction:
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Prithvi Shaw
- Pathum Nissanka
- David Miller
- Tristan Stubbs
- Axar Patel (C)
- Auqib Nabi Dar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mitchell Starc
- Mukesh Kumar
- T. Natarajan
The opening combination is still under discussion, especially after the withdrawal of Ben Duckett. Recent reports have indicated that DC is currently assessing the combinations for the top order with KL Rahul.
Past Performances & Standings in Previous Seasons
Delhi Capitals have had a frustrating yet promising history in the Indian Premier League:
- IPL 2020: Runner-Up (Best Achievement)
- IPL 2021: Playoffs
- IPL 2022-2025: Mixed results, Unpredictable performances
Although the Delhi Capitals have had a talented roster for the tournament every season, they have consistently failed to keep the momentum going throughout the season. For instance, the team had a good run in the initial stages of the IPL 2025, but faded later.
Delhi Capitals appear to be a mid-table team with growth potential.
Predicted Finish: 4th-6th
Why not higher?
- Lack of a settled batting line-up
- Over-reliance on KL Rahul
- Uncertainty over the availability of overseas players like Starc
Why not lower?
- Stellar bowling line-up
- Presence of experienced finishers like Miller
- Enhanced team depth compared to 2025
Will they make it to the playoffs and finals?
- Playoff Chances: 45%
- Final Chances: 20-25%
DC has a reasonable shot at making it to the playoffs, provided that:
- KL Rahul performs consistently
- Starc leads the bowling attack
- The middle order performs under pressure
But to make it to the finals, the level of performance needs to be maintained, something that has not been seen in the history of the franchise.
Conclusion
Delhi Capitals at last seem to be a well-structured team on paper, with a strong Indian contingent and seasoned overseas players. The real test for them now lies in seeing if they can shake off their biggest weakness: consistency.
If KL Rahul delivers a big season and Starc remains injury-free, then DC might challenge for a playoff spot. But as of now, they are contenders, not favourites.
Winning Probability: 12-15%
