Explained: Why Delhi Capitals could chase IPL-reject Yash Dhull in 2026 mini auction

Yash Dhull might be on Delhi Capitals radar [Source: @Delhicapitals]

Young Delhi cricketer Yash Dhull is suddenly back in the spotlight. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, he smashed a brilliant 71 runs off just 46 balls against Tamil Nadu at the Narendra Modi Stadium. This strong performance has made IPL teams sit up and take notice again.

Interestingly, Dhull went unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction. At that time, many teams felt he wasn’t in his best form. However, things have changed quickly. He is now scoring consistently in domestic cricket, and his former IPL team, the Delhi Capitals (DC), might consider bringing him back, especially as they are rebuilding their squad.

Notably, DC had a mixed IPL 2025 season. They began with four straight wins and looked like one of the strongest teams in the tournament. However, their form dropped badly in the second half, and they ended up finishing 5th. They missed the Playoffs, which was disappointing for a team that started so well. 

Naturally, DC will want to strengthen their team ahead of IPL 2026, and Dhull could be a part of that plan.

It is worth mentioning that Dhull has played in the IPL before. In IPL 2023, he got only a few chances and scored just 16 runs in 3 innings. After that, he didn’t get another IPL opportunity. But his recent domestic record shows huge improvement, which is why he could be on DC’s radar for the mini-auction on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.

Why Delhi Capitals might target Yash Dhull

DC looking for a new opener

DC have released their foreign openers, Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk. This means they need a solid Indian opener who can give them good starts. Dhull fits that role well.

In domestic T20 tournaments, he has often opened the innings and delivered consistently. Across 28 innings, he has scored 847 runs at an impressive average of 40.33, including five centuries. This shows he has the temperament and ability to play big innings at the top.

Yash Dhull is in excellent domestic form

Over the past year, Dhull has been one of the most reliable performers in India’s domestic circuit. Notably in the recent Ranji Trophy 2025, he scored 381 runs in 8 innings. Furthermore, he continued his strong form in the Irani Cup 2025, where he hit 103 runs in just 2 innings. Additionally, in the Duleep Trophy, he contributed 186 runs in 3 innings

Nevertheless, these numbers show he is in good touch across formats, not just T20s. Teams value such consistent players, and DC will surely notice this.

Yash Dhull performs well in Delhi Conditions

Notably, Dhull recently shined in the Delhi Premier League T20, where he scored 435 runs in 8 innings, including one century and three fifties at Arun Jaitely Stadium, which is also DC's home ground. Notably, his strike rate (167.31) and average (87.00) were outstanding.

[Yash Dhull's recent DPL performance]

Since he is a Delhi boy, he knows the pitch and conditions extremely well. DC also play their home matches in the same environment, which could give him an extra advantage. The young batter has also played for DC before, so he understands the setup and possibly has a good relationship with team director Sourav Ganguly.

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