5 Overseas Players Delhi Capitals (DC) Can Retain for IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals (DC) added several overseas players to their IPL 2025 lineup; however, these foreign assets were not enough to claim the title. The IPL 2026 mini-auction is rapidly approaching, and franchises have a short window to retain players ahead of the trade event.

Mini-auctions mean slimmer purses than usual, and teams must make smart decisions while planning to keep or let players go. Let’s see some of the top overseas cricketers DC can retain ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

1. Faf du Plessis

South African batsman Faf du Plessis brings the perfect blend of skill and experience to DC’s ranks. The veteran cricketer has several years of IPL experience to bank on coupled with his deep batting knowledge in limited-overs cricket.

DC signed him for IPL 2025 and he marshalled the franchise’s top-order batting department. He offers a calm approach to hitting under pressure and promises superb strike-rotation abilities.

du Plessis can provide the balance strike specialists need in later overs while building momentum as a powerplay hitter. He could be one of DC’s first retentions before the auction begins.

2. Tristan Stubbs

Tristan Stubbs is another S/African player with a high chance of retention ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The wicketkeeper-batter combines several vital skills any franchise will be keen to hold onto ahead of a fresh IPL T20 season. Stubbs delivers fearless batting combined with big-hitting potential in middle overs.

He is one of DC’s top finishers and delivers an impressive mix of acceleration and stability depending on the match situation. DC may keep Stubbs to avoid losing their young T20 talents to other franchises at auction.

3. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc delivers a much-needed stability to DC’s bowling ranks and could be a quick retention option ahead of IPL 2026. The star cricketer offered multiple match-winning spells as a DC player during the 2025 season. Keeping Starc gives the franchise an experienced wicket-taking option as they aim to progress deep into IPL 2026 knockouts in search of a title.

4. Dushmantha Chameera

Sri Lanka’s Dushmantha Chameera is another likely top option for DC overseas player retentions before IPL 2026. The seamer effortlessly delivers in Indian conditions and serves as a perfect backup option for fellow overseas bowler Mitchell Starc.

Dushmantha delivers a lethal right-arm line and can intimidate opposing teams with short-burst bowling laced with immense power. He could be the perfect candidate to restrict teams in powerplays while marshalling wicket-taking at death overs.

5. Mustafizur Rahman

Mustafizur Rahman has a unique skill capable of settling the most experienced IPL batters on his best days. The bowler can deliver cutters and slow ball variations that make batting responses difficult to manage during overs.

Rahman’s leftie seam option during death overs provides useful variety and economy control for DC during late overs. Keeping Rahman will offer DC a capable bowling specialist who can command overs in Indian conditions. He also provides immense value as a player without drawing hefty financial investment.

How Many Overseas Players Were in DC’s IPL 2025 Squad?

Seven (7) overseas players featured for DC at IPL 2025. Cricketers from South Africa made the bulk of foreign players in DC’s squad, as the franchise relied on their wicketkeeping and batting skills. See the full list of overseas players in DC’s IPL 2025 squad below:

1. Faf du Plessis – South Africa – Batter
2. Tristan Stubbs – South Africa – WK-Batter
3. Donovan Ferreira – South Africa – WK-Batter
4. Sediqullah Atal – Afghanistan – Batter
5. Mitchell Starc – Australia – Bowler
6. Dushmantha Chameera – Sri Lanka – Bowler
7. Mustafizur Rahman – Bangladesh – Bowler

Delhi Capitals – Full IPL 2025 Squad

Wicketkeeper–Batters

Specialist Batters

All-Rounders

Bowlers

DC IPL 2025 squad distribution