The IPL 2026 auction is expected to be competitive, and Delhi Capitals will go into the event with a clear plan to strengthen their squad. Delhi has been a strong team in past seasons, but inconsistency, lack of finishing power, and limited depth in death bowling have affected their performances.
With a mini-auction format, the franchise will look to fill specific gaps rather than rebuild completely. To become a more complete team, Delhi must focus on an explosive overseas opener, a reliable Indian top-order opener, overseas fast bowler, Indian spin bowler and a backup wicket-keeper.
Based on squad balance and auction trends, here are five players Delhi Capitals should try to sign in the IPL 2026 auction: Matheesha Pathirana, Quinton de Kock, Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, and Akash Deep.
5. Akash Deep – Reliable Indian Fast Bowler
Akash Deep has shown that he can bowl fast, swing the new ball, and take early wickets. He has also improved his control in the middle overs, which many young fast bowlers find difficult. Delhi Capitals need more strength in their Indian fast-bowling group, and Akash Deep seems like a good fit for that role.
Since he is an Indian player with IPL experience, signing him would allow Delhi to strengthen their bowling without sacrificing overseas slots. His consistency and discipline make him a good long-term pace option.
4. Venkatesh Iyer – Flexible Indian All-Rounder
Venkatesh Iyer is a left-handed batter who can either open or bat in the middle order, which makes him very useful in a tournament like the IPL. He can also bowl medium pace, giving Delhi an extra bowling option, something that matters a lot in a format where bowlers may not always perform well.
Delhi Capitals also need left-handers in their lineup to avoid being predictable. Iyer can play different roles: anchor, power-hitter, or floater depending on the situation. As an Indian player, he does not occupy an overseas slot, making him even more important in terms of squad balance.
3. Andre Russell – Game-Changing Finisher
Andre Russell is one of the most explosive T20 all-rounders in the world. Even though he is not always consistent, when he performs, he changes a match within a few balls. His six-hitting power, ability to finish games, and part-time fast bowling make him a perfect lower-order signing.
Delhi Capitals have struggled with finishing, especially in high-scoring games. Russell solves that problem instantly. If Delhi invests in him, they would finally have a fearsome finisher who
can turn tight matches into wins. His presence also lifts the confidence of younger players in the team.
2. Quinton de Kock – Opener + Wicketkeeper
Quinton de Kock brings experience, stability, and explosiveness at the top of the order. As a left-handed opener, he gives Delhi better batting balance and variety. De Kock is known for fast starts in the powerplay and for building partnerships, which Delhi has lacked at times.
His wicketkeeping ability also helps the team structure because it allows Delhi to save a squad position. With a senior overseas keeper, Delhi can rotate Indian players more freely in the middle order and build a stronger bench. De Kock has played match-winning innings across the world, and his experience makes him a smart and reliable addition.
1. Matheesha Pathirana – Death Bowling Specialist
Matheesha Pathirana has become one of the most exciting young fast bowlers in T20 cricket. Known for his slingy action and yorkers, Pathirana has shown that he can bowl the toughest overs of the match, especially the 18th, 19th, and 20th. His skill makes him highly valuable because very few bowlers in world cricket can consistently control the death overs.
For Delhi Capitals, death bowling has been a concern in recent years. Adding Pathirana would give them a specialist who can restrict runs and pick wickets at crucial moments. His ability to bowl at high speed and maintain control under pressure makes him a strong overseas target.
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How These Players Improve Delhi Capitals
If Delhi manages to sign these five players, their squad will become more complete and competitive:
| Need | Player Filling It |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeeper-opener | Quinton de Kock |
| Big-hitting finisher | Andre Russell |
| Death-over fast bowler | Matheesha Pathirana |
| Indian batting depth + all-rounder | Venkatesh Iyer |
| Indian pace depth | Akash Deep |
This combination improves Delhi in every key area: opening, finishing, flexibility, and death overs , four elements required to win close matches and go deep in tournaments.
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 auction gives Delhi Capitals a chance to fix long-time weaknesses and add impact players. Matheesha Pathirana, Quinton de Kock, Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, and Akash Deep are strong targets who bring balance, experience, and match-winning ability. If
Delhi builds wisely and secures even three of these five players, they could become a serious title contender in IPL 2026.
These signings would also give Delhi more stability in pressure moments and better depth across departments. With the right strategy and smart bidding, the Capitals could finally build a squad capable of going all the way.
Written by Kinjal Walantra