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The Delhi Capitals (DC) had a mixed and ultimately heart-breaking campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, narrowly missing the playoffs. They finished the league stage in the 5th position on the points table with 15 points from 14 matches, securing 7 wins.
Delhi Capitals (DC) IPL 2025 performance
The team began with a promising start, winning four of their first six games and briefly holding a top position, suggesting a potential deep run in the tournament. However, a significant drop in form and inconsistency plagued their middle and later stages, where they struggled to convert close matches into victories. Their season was defined by strong individual performances, notably from KL Rahul, who was their top scorer with 539 runs, and the excellent wicket-taking form of spinner Kuldeep Yadav (15 wickets). The constant changes to the opening combination and a lack of consistent support for the frontline bowlers were cited as key factors in their inability to secure a top-four finish. Their playoff hopes were ultimately dashed following a heavy defeat in a crucial must-win match against the Mumbai Indians late in the season.
3 overseas retentions for Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of IPL 2026
The initial prompt suggested that Delhi Capitals (DC) are considering retaining Mitchell Starc and Jake Fraser-McGurk for the IPL 2026 mini-auction, with Tristan Stubbs as the presumed first choice.
| Player | Role | IPL 2025 Price (Approx.) | Retention Likelihood | Key Rationale |
| 1. Tristan Stubbs | Middle-Order Finisher (Batter/WK) | INR 10 Cr | Very High | Stubbs was arguably DC’s most impactful overseas batter. His explosive finishing skills and impressive strike rate (over 190 in 2024, and strong around 150 in 2025) make him a future core player. His ability to change games in the death overs is invaluable. |
| 2. Mitchell Starc | Pace Bowler (Powerplay & Death) | INR 11.75 Cr | High | As a world-class pacer, Starc adds significant firepower to the DC bowling attack, especially with his ability to take wickets early and bowl effectively in the death overs. He is a high-impact player that teams build their bowling around. |
| 3. Jake Fraser-McGurk | Explosive Top-Order Batter | INR 9 Cr | Moderate to High | While some reports suggest DC might consider releasing him due to an inconsistent 2025 season, his record-breaking 2024 strike rate and immense potential as an aggressive opener are a huge draw. Retaining a young, high-potential opener like him offers massive upside. |
Also READ: Chennai Super Kings: 3 overseas players CSK can retain ahead of IPL 2026 auction
Tristan Stubbs trade news with Rajasthan Royals for the IPL 2026
Stubbs, the young South African power-hitter, has been featuring prominently in pre-IPL 2026 trade news. Multiple media reports indicate that he is the central player in a potential blockbuster trade deal between Delhi and Rajasthan Royals (RR). DC is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire former RR captain and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, and the swap would see Stubbs moving to the Rajasthan. While DC initially retained Stubbs due to his potential as a match-finisher, this trade is being considered to secure an experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batter and potential captain in Samson. The deal is currently progressing, with Stubbs’ departure being a key concession for DC to finalize the acquisition of Samson.
Also READ: Kolkata Knight Riders: 3 overseas players KKR can retain ahead of IPL 2026 auction
