Delhi Capitals. (Photo Source - Twitter/x)

Heading into the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the Delhi Capitals (DC) have one of the most balanced squads in the tournament. Regardless of injuries and players being unavailable, the depth that the squad possesses should make them one of the favourites to make the playoffs.

Last season, DC missed out on the top four by just one point. However, the management has shown trust in their squad this time around, keeping the core intact. Their squad is brimming with match-winners, up and down the order, making them a dangerous prospect at this Indian summer’s showpiece 20-over tournament. 

Here are five DC players who can be match-winners in IPL 2026 5. Tristan Stubbs - Middle order Batter Axar Patel, KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Tristan Stubbs is set to commence his third season with DC, and yet he has already established himself as one of their key match-winners. The right-handed batter will slot into the middle order, where he can very easily stay till the end and help win his side games or help them post a huge total.

Stubbs scored 300 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of around 151 last time around. Out of the 13 innings that he batted in, the South African remained not out in seven of them, showcasing his pedigree to stay up until the end. He is also capable of being the finisher, like he showed in 2024 when he struck at 190.90.

4. Axar Patel - All-rounder, captain Axar Patel. (Photo Source: Delhi Capitals)

Axar Patel will lead DC for a second season in 2026, having been with the side for a number of years now. Last season saw the all-rounder take just five wickets but score 263 runs at a strike rate of 157.48, the highest he has recorded in a season throughout his illustrious IPL career.

However, it was his form as a bowler at the T20 World Cup which excited the DC supporters. Axar took 11 wickets from seven matches at an economy of just over eight. This included taking 3 for 27 in the final against New Zealand to help his side retain the T20 title.

3. KL Rahul - Top order Batter

KL Rahul scored 539 runs in his debut season for DC last time around whilst striking at 149.72, his highest strike rate in the IPL since the 2018 edition. Joining DC has given Rahul a new form of life where he is able to express himself in a much better manner.

Being a hard-hitting opener is exactly what DC will need in 2026, as Rahul will be paired alongside a new opening partner in either Pathum Nissanka or Ben Duckett. Rahul scored a century last season – scoring an unbeaten 112 against Gujarat Titans in Delhi, though his team ended up on the losing side.

2. Lungi Ngidi - Right-arm Fast medium bowler Lungi Ngidi. (Photo source: Proteas Men)

Lungi Ngidi’s role for DC at the 2026 IPL has drastically increased due to the unavailability of Mitchell Starc. The South African seamer will now be tasked with being his side’s lead fast bowler in the Australian’s absence.

Ngidi, however, comes into the IPL with some excellent form showcased at the recently concluded T20 World Cup, where he took 12 wickets from seven matches at an economy rate of just 7.19. Should he continue his great form at the 2026 IPL, DC fans will not feel the void left behind by Starc. 

Ngidi played just twice for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) last season with DC snapping him up at the mini auction for his base price of INR 2 crore, which could go down as the best deal this summer.

1. Kuldeep Yadav - Left arm Unorthodox Spinner Kuldeep-Yadav. (Photo source: X/IPL)

Having moved from the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022, Kuldeep Yadav is set to play in his fifth season as a DC player. The left-arm spinner will once again be tasked with leading the spin bowling unit, which makes him the most important player in the squad.

Kuldeep’s form will directly be proportional to DC’s chances at the 2026 IPL. Last season he took 15 wickets at an average of 24.06. However, it was his economy which caught the eye, averaging at just 7.07 throughout the season.

Kuldeep has a lot to play for at the 2026 IPL on a personal level. Some good performances in DC colours could see him become India’s lead spinner in T20Is.