DC's strongest playing XI and impact player options after IPL 2026 auction ft. Ben Duckett & Prithvi Shaw

The Delhi Capitals (DC) have seen praise pour in from fans and experts for their work at the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. The franchise made a number of shrewd acquisitions on December 16 and are now in pole position to mount a serious challenge for a playoff spot.

What does DC's ideal playing XI look like? They have a high degree of flexibility across roles with both their Indian and overseas options, so arriving at a definitive combination isn't easy. However, certain tactics seem better suited to success than others.

DC's squad for IPL 2026: Abishek Porel, Ajay Mandal, Ashutosh Sharma, Axar Patel, Dushmantha Chameera, Karun Nair, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Madhav Tiwari, Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar, Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, T Natarajan, Tripurana Vijay, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, David Miller (INR 2 Cr), Pathum Nissanka (INR 4 Cr), Sahil Parakh (INR 30 lakh), Prithvi Shaw (INR 75 lakh), Ben Duckett (INR 2 Cr), Auqib Nabi (INR 8.40 Cr), Lungi Ngidi (INR 2 Cr), Kyle Jamieson (INR 2 Cr).

On that note, here is DC's strongest playing XI and impact player options after the IPL 2026 auction.

---

Openers: Ben Duckett and Prithvi Shaw

England Ashes Squad Training Session - Source: Getty

DC's ideal opening combination is probably the most uncertain part of their side. They have a number of players who can perform the role - Pathum Nissanka, Ben Duckett, Abishek Porel, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Karun Nair and maybe even Nitish Rana. So which is the best pairing at the top?

Pathum Nissanka has elevated his game greatly in recent times, but whether he is good enough to warrant taking up an overseas slot remains to be seen. While the Sri Lankan opener would be a quality option if picked, Prithvi Shaw's signing might just add more value to the team since it would allow an overseas player to be deployed elsewhere.

Porel has his issues against swing and spin, and his domestic form hasn't been extraordinary. Karun is a capable player even at this stage of his career, but DC might just fare better if they invest in the dynamic talent of Shaw. Rahul and Rana, meanwhile, are probably more valuable in the middle order.

So Shaw should potentially open the batting with Ben Duckett, who can take on spin to great effect inside the first six overs. The English opener hasn't been in good form during the ongoing Ashes, but his white-ball returns have been stellar. He might just be ready to make a splash at the IPL level.

---

Middle Order: KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Rana, Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Miller

2025 IPL - Delhi Capitals v Kolkata Knight Riders - Source: Getty

Rahul could bat in a floating role, perhaps at No. 3 if a wicket falls after the powerplay ends. He will be asked to don the gloves in this combination, and his leadership will be valued. Rana, with his spin-hitting ability, would follow him in the lineup.

Axar Patel and Tristan Stubbs are undroppable. The former will have a lot on his plate, especially if he bats at his ideal No. 5 position. Stubbs could use some company while finishing the innings, but is Ashutosh Sharma the man for the job?

Ashutosh has struggled majorly against spin, and Shaw's deployment instead of Nissanka at the top of the order would allow Delhi to play David Miller alongside his countryman. Miller was clearly signed as a backup for Stubbs, but the prospect of him at the Arun Jaitley Stadium is too enticing for him to be left out of the strongest XI.

---

Lower Order: Mitchell Starc, T Natarajan, Auqib Nabi, Kuldeep Yadav

2025 IPL - Punjab Kings v Delhi Capitals - Source: Getty

Picking DC's ideal bowling combination is a straightforward task. T Natarajan, Mitchell Starc and Auqib Nabi will offer enough across all three phases of the innings, with Kuldeep Yadav leading the spin unit.

---

Impact Player Options: Vipraj Nigam, Sameer Rizvi, Mukesh Kumar, Ashutosh Sharma

2025 IPL - Mumbai Indians v Delhi Capitals - Source: Getty

The Capitals have a number of options when it comes to their impact player. Vipraj Nigam featured throughout most of the previous IPL season and did fairly well, particularly at spin-friendly venues.

If DC want a specialist batter, they could choose either Ashutosh or Sameer Rizvi depending on the requirements and the conditions. In fact, even Karun is an option if he makes the impact subs bench.

Finally, if Delhi want a fourth pace option, they could pick Mukesh Kumar. However, the Bengal seamer isn't very well-rounded, and his IPL record reflects that.

Edited by Sai Krishna