When the countdown begins IPL 2026 December 16 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi, Delhi Capitals (DC) The franchise is set to make calculated moves to fill its remaining eight slots, five of which are for foreign players. With a war chest of INR 21.8 crore, DC is among the teams with a healthy purse, targeting high impact players.
Looking to bolster their experienced, fast bowling and all-rounder options, the Capitals are expected to aggressively pursue a mix of proven internationals and strong domestic talent. Here’s a breakdown of some of the high-value players Delhi Capitals could target in the auction, including a snapshot of their last T20 performance in 2025.
5 players Delhi Capitals can go for in IPL 2026 mini auction
1) Steve Smith (external bias)
- Role: Top / middle order anchor and tactical leader
Steve Smith It offers great value as a world-class battery and strategic sound. Given DC’s need for an experienced bullpen with his pitching and bat, Smith’s consistency and ability to adapt to different pitches could make him an ideal candidate.
His consistent anchoring (high 2025 average) will provide much-needed stability in the top four, allowing the aggressive players around him to express themselves freely. Smith would use an important outside slot for a top performer.
2) Sarfaraz Khan (Indian Batsman)
- Role: Explosive middle order Indian fruit
Sarkaraz Khan It’s a name that’s expected to attract fierce bidding, especially from teams like DC. His phenomenal domestic T20 record and ability to accelerate late in the innings can solve DC’s occasional struggles in post-postplay.
His performance Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) His consistency and explosive strike rate, which included a 100 off 47 balls in late 2025, make him a high potential in-house investment.
3) Gerald Coetzee (overseas fast bowler)
- Role: Death on PACE spear and death expert
Young South African Pacer, Tension coetzeeit is a highly sought after commodity due to its original tempo, aggression and extreme death. DC is always looking for a reliable overseas fast bowler.
Although his IPL 2025 run was cut short by injury, his ability to take crucial wickets in the middle (evident from his figures of 2/32 in SA20) remains his key value. Additionally, it will significantly increase DC’s PACE battery and provide a valuable outfield bowling option.
Read: 5 players Royal Blues Bengaluru (RCB) can target in IPL 2026 auction
4) Venkatesh Iyer (India Teader)
- Role: All-rounder / finisher
Venkatesh eatsAn established India would be a comprehensive Indianist, a high priority target. His main value lies in his destructive left-handed batting and the utility of medium-range and medium-pace bowling. Scores of 45 (29) and 60 (29) and 60 (29) especially in IPL 2025 show his power for game-changing shots. Bowling provides a decisive balance and depth to the DC, an all-rounder, though less commonly used.
5. David Miller (abroad graduate)
- Role: Power hitter and finisher
David MillerKnown as the ‘killer mill’, it remains one of the most reliable outdoor plants in the world. DC often needs a big hitter to close out innings, and Miller’s experience and explosive strike rate would be invaluable. His average of 58.50 in SA20 2025 highlights his ability to often remain unbeaten to lead his team home. Consistently consistent performances from this tough role make him a calculated risk worth taking for a team aiming to maximize his scoring potential at the extreme end.
Read: 5 players Chennai Super Kings (CSK) can target in IPL 2026 mini-auction
 are poised to make calculated moves to fill their remaining eight slots, five of which are for overseas players. With a war chest of INR 21.8 crore, DC are among the teams with a healthy purse, positioning them to target high-impact players.){kind=link}