DC IPL 2026 retention list: 4 underperformers who might not be retained for next season

DC players who should be released [Source: AFP Photo]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 retention deadline day will take place next month as all ten franchises will retain the core of their side, but at the same time, will release the unwanted players from their squad. One of the franchises that will be desperate to release the underperforming players will be the Delhi Capitals.

The team had a dream start to the IPL 2025 campaign, but they lost the momentum. midway through the campaign and failed to qualify for the playoffs. The team certainly needs an overhaul, and here are 4 players the team might release ahead of the retention deadline day.

1) Jake Fraser-McGurk

The Aussie youngster had a dream IPL 2024 with the Capitals as he lived up to the hype and smacked 330 runs in nine matches, with a strike rate of 234. As a result, expectations were high from him in the IPL 2025 campaign, but disaster struck and he had a mediocre season.

(JFM in IPL 2025)

• From striking at 234 in IPL 2024 to hitting at 105 defined JFM’s downfall in the league’s history. He was given ample opportunities, but the Australian batter failed to deliver the goods and could only score 55 runs in six matches.
• The franchise used their Right to Match (RTM) card to buy JFM for 9 crore in the auction, and by releasing him, the team could use the same money to buy a better opener.

2) Faf du Plessis

JFM’s opening partner, Faf du Plessis, also had a horror IPL 2025 campaign. He was released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and DC roped him in the mega auction, and the expectations were high. Du Plessis had done well for RCB, but he failed in the IPL 2025 season as DC couldn’t get their opening combination right.

(Du Plessis in IPL 2025)

• Just 202 runs in nine matches, with a strike rate of 123, du Plessis looked lost and the bowlers got the upper hand against him. With JFM failing, DC expected du Plessis to score big runs, but he couldn’t and the franchise failed to qualify for the playoffs.
• Bought for 2 crore, du Plessis is not ageing backwards, and perhaps, the franchise needs a young opener who can play an aggressive brand of cricket.

3) T Natarajan

For some reason, DC acquired an injury-prone T Natarajan for a whopping 10.75 crore and the left-arm seamer only played a solitary game, and conceded 49 runs with an economy of nearly 17. He looked a pale shadow of his former self as the pacer who was bought with a lot of expectations played only one game the entire season.

10.75 crore is a huge amount, and if DC releases Natarajan, they would free up a huge sum and could invest the money to go after a quality death-overs bowler.

4) Mohit Sharma

Another bowler who had a disappointing campaign was Mohit Sharma. The ex-CSK star was bought with a lot of hope as DC wanted a solid Indian bowler. However, Mohit had a disastrous season and he failed to deliver the goods for the Capitals.

(Mohit Sharma in IPL 2025)

• Just 2 wickets in eight matches with an economy of 10.28 defined Mohit’s campaign. He looked toothless and DC could do wonders if they release him and buy a better and younger prospect.

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