IPL 2026: Predicting DC's strongest playing XI

For the upcoming season, Rahul is expected to start with either Ben Duckett or Pathum Nissanka. Those three players are all good choices for wicketkeeping. Duckett may have an advantage due to his extreme aggression.

Delhi may use Nitish Rana at number three, followed by Tristan Stubbs or Axar Patel at number four, depending on the circumstances. In the batting order, either of them will start at number five. The lower middle order was one area where the Capitals struggled during the final IPL season. Additionally, they will have David Miller for the position this year, which they may utilise as an impact player because they only have three foreign players in their starting lineup.

Ashutosh Sharma, who completes the middle order, is probably going to play finisher again. Last season, he amassed 204 runs in nine innings and made an impression with his late-game power hitting. In the fag end of the innings, Vipraj Nigam may also offer a useful spin-bowling option and hit a few down the ground if necessary.

It's easy to choose DC's best bowling combination. With Kuldeep Yadav leading the spin unit, T Natarajan, Mitchell Starc, and Auqib Nabi will provide plenty in each of the innings' three phases.

Bowling continues to be a key component of the Delhi Capitals' 2026 game-winning lineup. Leading the pace attack is Mitchell Starc, who has experience and the ability to take wickets both at the end and with the new ball. Auqib Nabi Dar, whose inclusion shows DC's faith in up-and-coming Indian pace talent, is a strong supporter of him.

While the pace battery of Strac, Natarajan, and Nabi will be vital both early and late in the game, the spin combination of Kuldeep, Axar, and Nigam will be lethal and economical in the middle overs. Delhi's bowling lineup is undoubtedly among the most lethal in the competition because of its skill and diversity.

DC’s strongest playing 11 for IPL 2026

KL Rahul (wk), Ben Duckett, Nitish Rana, Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Auqib Nabi, T Natarajan.

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