IPL 2026: 5 DC Players who might be released ahead of mini auction

Delhi Capitals (DC), under Axar Patel’s captaincy, had a mixed IPL 2025 season. They started the tournament well and looked certain to secure a playoff spot. But as the tournament progressed, they lost momentum and consistency. 

Eventually, they finished in fifth place, just outside the playoffs, with 15 points from 14 games. Several players also failed to perform as expected.    

Here are the 5 DC Players who might be released ahead of the mini auction 

1. Jake Fraser-McGurk

This Aussie opener is known for his explosive starts at the top of the order. Jake Fraser-McGurk impressed in IPL 2024 with 330 runs in nine innings, striking at 234.04. On the back of that performance, DC showed faith in him for the 2025 season as well. 

However, it turned out to be a horrific campaign for him. In six matches, he scored only 55 runs, averaging 9.16 at a strike rate of 105.76. Considering such a poor season and his status as an overseas option, the franchise might decide to release him ahead of IPL 2026.  

2. T Natarajan

DC fans were shocked to see that despite spending INR 10.75 crore to bring in left-arm pacer T Natarajan, the franchise played him in only two games. It was later revealed that he was dealing with fitness issues, which prevented DC from using him properly. 

Among those two appearances, he bowled in just one match, where he was smashed for 49 runs in three overs without taking a wicket, conceding at 16.33 runs per over. Considering his fitness concerns, DC might look to release him ahead of IPL 2026 and free up a significant amount of purse money.

3. Mohit Sharma

This veteran Indian pacer was favoured ahead of T Natarajan by DC in IPL 2025. His experience was expected to be pivotal going into the season. However, Mohit Sharma failed to deliver with the ball. 

In eight matches, he picked up only two wickets while conceding 257 runs in 25 overs, at an economy of 10.28. Considering his poor form and age, DC might decide to release him and search for a better option ahead of IPL 2026.

4. Dushmantha Chameera

DC gave Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera six opportunities in IPL 2025. However, in the five innings where he bowled, he managed only four wickets while conceding runs at an economy of 11.40. His international experience did not reflect in his performances, leaving DC fans frustrated. Hence, ahead of IPL 2026, Chameera is most likely to be released by the franchise.   

5. Mitchell Starc

Starc’s name in the released players’ list might shock many fans. But, now, when he has taken retirement from T20Is, there might be a chance that Starc might not make him available for the IPL. Over the years, this veteran, experienced pacer has always been choosy regarding his participation in IPL, citing workload management reasons. 

Now, with no more T20I duties for the Aussies, there are high chances of him not being available and that could led DC to release him, although if they do not want. In IPL 2025, he picked up 14 wickets in 10 innings, at an economy of 10.16.

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