IPL 2025: 5 costly DC flops who might not find a buyer next season

Delhi Capitals (DC) had a promising start to their IPL 2025 campaign and looked set to qualify for the playoffs with ease. However, as the tournament reached its business end, the Axar Patel-led side lost momentum completely. They finished fifth on the points table with 15 points in 14 games and a net run rate of +0.011, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot.

One of the main reasons for their downfall was the inconsistency of their senior players. DC had shown great faith in them by spending big money at the auction, but several of those players failed to deliver when it mattered the most.

Here are 5 costly DC flops who might not find a buyer in IPL 2026:

T Natarajan

DC spent a massive INR 10.75 Crore to bring in left-arm pacer T Natarajan. The expectation was that he would play a key role in the bowling attack throughout the season. However, fitness issues kept him out for most of the campaign as he continued his rehab. 

He ended up playing only two matches, bowling in just one of them, where he conceded 49 runs in three overs without picking up a wicket. At 34 and with ongoing fitness struggles, Natarajan might find it tough to get a contract next season.

Jake Fraser-McGurk

After a breakout 2024 season where he scored 330 runs in nine innings at a blistering strike rate of 234.04, DC retained Jake Fraser-McGurk for a hefty INR 9 Crore using their Right to Match (RTM) card, following interest from Punjab Kings. 

However, he had a disappointing 2025 campaign, managing just 55 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 105.76. His lack of form at the top was a major setback for DC.

Mohit Sharma

One of the most experienced Indian pacers in IPL history, Mohit Sharma, was bought for INR 2.20 Crore. Known for delivering in pressure moments, Mohit failed to deliver for DC this season. He picked up only 2 wickets in 8 innings, with a high economy rate of 10.28. His poor form made him a liability in key games.

Faf du Plessis

Veteran batter Faf du Plessis was picked up by DC for INR 2 Crore, with the hope that his experience and leadership would strengthen the squad. However, even as a stand-in captain, he couldn’t inspire the team. With the bat, he scored only 202 runs in 9 innings at a strike rate of 123.92, including just two fifties. His lack of consistency was a disappointment.

Dushmantha Chameera

DC invested INR 75 Lakh in Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera, expecting him to add firepower to the pace attack. But in five games, he managed just 4 wickets at a high economy of 11.40. He struggled in pressure situations and couldn’t meet the expectations despite his international experience.

With DC missing the playoffs despite a strong start, these underperforming players could find themselves out of favour at the next IPL auction. The franchise might look to rebuild with fresh faces ahead of IPL 2026.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!