Delhi Capitals (DC) will start the IPL 2026 campaign with continuity in leadership as Akhar Patel continues as captain for the second consecutive season. Taking over after Rishabh Pant’s departure ahead of IPL 2025, Akhar now has the responsibility of taking the franchise a step further. After finishing fifth last season, Delhi will be eager to break new ground and chase their maiden IPL title. One of their biggest advantages this year is home stability – they will play all seven of their home matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, giving them consistent conditions and strong crowd support in the league stage.
The team also enters the season with a fresh look at the top of the order. KL Rahul is set to open with Pathum Nissanka, forming a new partnership that combines experience and coolness. England’s Ben Duckett was originally in contention for the role but withdrew at the last minute, forcing a change of plans. Meanwhile, Prithvi Shaw After being sold in the previous auction, he returns to the team and adds more depth to the batting line-up. Delhi’s schedule soon takes them on a tough southern tour in mid-April with away matches against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). This stretch will test their ability to adapt to different conditions and locations.
After this demanding phase, the table turns in Delhi’s favour. They return home for an important run, playing four of their next five matches – Punjab Kings (PBKS), RCB and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. With a short trip to Jaipur to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 1. Delhi will also play two afternoon matches – against Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 4 and PBKS on April 25 – requiring them to adapt to different playing conditions. They finish their league campaign against KKR at the Eden Gardens on May 24, taking a short break beforehand to recover. With the additions of David Miller, Lungi Ngidi and promising all-rounder Auqib Nabi, along with the pace of Mitchell Starc and Kyle Jamieson, DC have the squad depth to mount a serious challenge this season.
Also READ: SWOT analysis of Delhi Capitals – DC’s report card ahead of IPL 2026
Delhi Capitals Complete IPL 2026 Schedule
- April 1 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals – Lucknow – 19:30 IST
- April 4 – Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians – Delhi – 19:30 IST
- 8th April – Delhi Capitals – Gujarat Titans – Delhi – 19:30 IST
- April 11 – Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals – Chennai – 19:30 IST
- April 18 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals – Bengaluru – 3:30 PM IST
- April 21 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals – Hyderabad – 19:30 IST
- April 25 – Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings – Delhi – 3:30 PM IST
- April 27 – Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Delhi – 19:30 IST
- May 1 – Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals – Jaipur – 19:30 IST
- May 5 – Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi – 19:30 IST
- May 8 – Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Delhi – 19:30 IST
- May 11 – Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals – Dharamshala – 19:30 IST
- May 17 – Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals – Delhi – 19:30 IST
- May 24 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals – Kolkata – 19:30 IST
Also READ: Kris Srikkanth names Delhi Capitals (DC) playing XI for IPL 2026
