Prithvi Shaw and...? Popular names DC could target in IPL auction to resolve opening concerns

Prithvi Shaw in IPL  (Source: AFP)

The Delhi Capitals enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction with several big decisions already made. After a mixed IPL 2025 season that began brightly but ended in disappointment, the franchise has retained its strong core but released two key openers, Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk. 

With only ₹21.8 crore left in the purse and eight slots to fill, Delhi’s major focus is now on securing a reliable and attacking opener at the top.

Releasing Faf du Plessis due to form and age concerns, and moving on from Fraser-McGurk after a poor 2025 campaign, has opened a crucial gap. However, if DC fix their openers as Abhishek Porel and KL Rahul, they might not have much of a problem. Still, if not, they will need an opener who offers power play acceleration without draining a large portion of their purse. Several names are expected to come under their radar.

Here’s a look at the top options DC could target at the IPL 2026 auction.

1. Prithvi Shaw 

(Prithvi Shaw's stats in IPL)

• Prithvi Shaw could be Delhi Capital’s most practical and strategic pick. A former DC player was once among the league's best powerplay hitters, known for his fearless strokeplay and early-overs dominance. Although his career has hit a rough patch, and he went unsold in last year’s (IPL 2025) mega auction.
• For DC, Shaw offers two major advantages: He is Indian, which frees up an overseas slot for another department, and he has earlier player for DC and has a proven chemistry with the franchise.

2. Ben Duckett

(Ben Duckett's stats as an opener for England)

• England’s Ben Duckett brings explosive T20 ability, particularly useful in the powerplay. With a T20I strike rate above 150, he can form a balanced combo with KL Rahul.
• Taking a look at the stats, in 20 T20Is, Ben Duckett has made 527 runs at an average of 29.27 and a strike-rate of 153.64. Opening for England, Duckett has played nine innings and made 221 runs at a strike-rate of 166.17. 
• If the Delhi Capitals opt to open with KL Rahul in IPL 2026, they can easily pair him with Ben Duckett and maintain a right-left combination at the top. However, it is important to note that DC had earlier approached Ben Duckett, but he refused to join the team. But if Duckett is available, Delhi can target him and acquire his services for the upcoming season as an opener.

3. Brian Bennett

• Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett may not be a headline name yet, but his numbers make him one of the most underrated options in the auction. With over 1,300 T20I runs at a strike rate close to 150 while opening, Bennett offers both aggression and consistency.
• Opening for Zimbabwe in T20Is, the star player has played 36 innings and made 1325 runs at an average of 36.81 and a strike-rate of 147.39.
• If Delhi opts for him as an opener, he will fit the budget, bring freshness to the lineup, and grow into a long-term option for DC. For Delhi, he represents a high-value pick at a likely low cost.

4. Tim Seifert

• If DC opts for Tim Seifert, he will provide the franchise with dual benefit- an attacking opener and a backup wicketkeeper. Notably, Seifert has also been part of the Delhi Capitals squad in the past in the IPL. He played in 2 matches (IPL 2022) and made 24 runs at an average of 12.00. 
• Taking a look at this T20I stats for New Zealand, he has played 77 matches and made 1850 runs at an average of 29.83 and a strike-rate of 142.52. It is important to note that Tim Seifert has also played in several T20 leagues, including Major League Cricket (MLC), ILT20, the Big Bash League, and the Lanka Premier League (LPL). If Delhi wants a reliable overseas opener without overspending, Seifert can be a perfect choice.

5. Jonny Bairstow

• Jonny Bairstow remains one of the most destructive powerplay batters in T20 cricket. With over 1,600 IPL runs at an average of 34.87 and a strike rate of 146.07, he is exactly the kind of explosive opener DC lacked in 2025.

(Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk IPL 2025 stats)

• But there is a condition: Bairstow can be targeted only if he registers for IPL 2026. If he does, he will attract major bids, and DC may consider breaking the bank to secure his services.

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