The DC squad looks stunning on the teamsheet, but they have several weak points in the team. Skipper Axar Patel will be troubled mainly by these three players.
Delhi Capitals qualified for the playoffs several seasons back under Shreyas Iyer. However, the Axar Patel-led side was very close to the qualification round last season and missed out on the knockouts by just one spot.
They would not have the likes of players like Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk, who were the openers for the side in the previous edition. Delhi Capitals would promote KL Rahul in the new role of an opener.
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3 players who are DC’s biggest burden in IPL 2026
Mitchell Starc
Former Australian T20 pacer Mitchell Starc has performed to the best of his abilities in the last two seasons. He was KKR’s star in the 2024 season and then picked several crucial wickets in the following season for the 2025 season.
However, Mitchell Starc’s availability has been a major concern. He left the DC unit midway through the last season, while on the other hand, this season, his availability has been pushed back. Starc has not been issued an NOC by Cricket Australia, citing workload.
Starc has been in sheer form, and he would be a massive positive to the DC unit; however, his availability is a massive concern for the franchise.
T. Natarajan
Another pacer in the Delhi Capitals lineup, Natrajan, missed out on the majority of the 2026 season after being bought for a massive amount of money. The Capitals found him playing only on a couple of occasions, and the death overs specialist received a massive thrashing.
Natarajan’s poor form in the game has been a concern. The left-armer will have to be available for the entire season, but DC’s headache surrounding him will be Natarajan’s frequent injuries. The left arm pacer might be troubled with a reduced pace.
In Starc’s absence, the death overs will be a major concern because slower balls are not always effective in the death overs in the IPL. Lungi Ngidi has mastered slower balls, but yorkers are what win you the death overs, and hence, Natarajan’s lack of form will be a concern.
Abhishek Porel
Lastly, Abhishek Porel, the Bengal wicket-keeper batter, surfaced as their main wicket-keeper in the side. Though KL Rahul can take up the gloves, Porel would still be an essential player in the top order.
Karun Nair had also played in the top order the last time. However, Porel remains a constant help in the DC batting order. The Bengal boy’s form has not been a concern, but he has not been ideal for the shortest format of the game.
Also, they would not be able to pick other overseas batters like Pathum Nissanka and Ben Duckett, since the overseas slot for the Capitals is filled. Porel would be crucial to their top order, and a lack of form will be concerning to the AxarPatel-led side.
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