From KL Rahul To Axar Patel: Delhi Capitals Player Ratings For IPL 2026
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An Underwhelming Campaign for Delhi
The Delhi Capitals entered the 2026 Indian Premier League season with lofty ambitions and a squad that looked formidable on paper. Yet, nineteen seasons into the tournament’s history, the franchise remains without a trophy. Despite a promising start with two consecutive victories that ignited hope among the faithful, a catastrophic run of five defeats in six games effectively derailed their momentum, leaving the team to play catch-up for the remainder of the tournament.
Although the team rallied to win their final three league matches, finishing sixth with 14 points, the damage had been done. Captain Axar Patel conceded that the playoffs dream had effectively vanished well before the final league day. To understand what went wrong, we look at the individual contributions.
The Batting Department: Highs and Lows
The batting unit was defined by the brilliance of some and the struggle of others. KL Rahul was the standout performer, earning a stellar 9/10 rating for his consistent contributions. His presence at the top of the order provided stability, even when others around him faltered.
Other batters had mixed fortunes:
- Sameer Rizvi (6/10): Showed glimpses of talent but lacked the consistency required to anchor the middle order.
- Ashutosh Sharma (7/10): One of the brighter sparks who capitalized on his opportunities.
- Pathum Nissanka (6/10): Provided decent starts but failed to convert them into match-winning scores consistently.
- David Miller (5/10) and Abishek Porel (5/10): Both struggled to make a lasting impact during the pressure moments of the season.
- Nitish Rana (4/10): A disappointing return for a player of his caliber.
Leadership and All-Rounders
The disappointment was perhaps most felt regarding the leadership group. Axar Patel, tasked with leading the side, endured a difficult season with both bat and ball, managing only a 4/10 rating. His inability to inspire the team during the mid-season slump was a major talking point. Furthermore, Kuldeep Yadav, usually a match-winner for the franchise, had a season to forget, earning a 3/10 as he struggled to find his rhythm and penetration.
Bowling Performance Analysis
The bowling attack saw significant variance in quality. Mitchell Starc (7/10), Madhav Tiwari (8/10), and Lungi Ngidi (8/10) were the backbone of the attack, often doing the heavy lifting. Their ability to pick up wickets kept the Capitals in games they otherwise might have lost.
However, the support cast failed to deliver:
- Mukesh Kumar (4/10) and T. Natarajan (4/10): Both experienced bowlers lacked the control required in the death overs.
- Kyle Jamieson (2/10): Failed to justify his selection, struggling with both fitness and form.
- Vipraj Nigam, Sahil Parakh, Dushmantha Chameera, Tripurana Vijay, Auqib Nabi, and Karun Nair: All these players were awarded a 1/10 rating, reflecting a season where they failed to make any meaningful contribution to the team’s cause.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The inconsistency in performance, combined with questionable management decisions, has left the Delhi Capitals at a crossroads. As the franchise looks toward the 2027 season, a massive overhaul seems inevitable. The management will need to decide which of these players to retain and which to release, as relying on the same core that finished sixth will not bridge the gap to the IPL trophy. The journey for the Capitals in 2026 serves as a stark reminder that even the most talented rosters can fail without collective form and consistent leadership.