Like a countdown IPL 2026 begins, excitement around Delhi Capitals (DC) has reached the limit of fever. Former Indian cricketers after a busy auction in which the franchise made strategic moves to address its middle-order woes Muhammad Kaif and Cheteshwar Pujara they measured up with their projected game 11s. We agreed to include both experts KL Rahul provides a massive boost, they are divided on the ideal opening partner and the structure of the bowling attack.
is about to launch a campaign against DC Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Wednesday, April 1 at Ekana Stadium. After a rollercoaster 2025 season in which they narrowly missed out on the playoffs, the pressure is on the captain. Akhar Patel leading the revamped side to their first title.
Cheteshwar Pujara is believed to be the all-India opening duo and the complementary role of David Miller
Pujara’s vision for DC revolves around stability at the top and explosive power in the middle. He defended the all-India opening pair of Rahul and the retained youngster. Abishek Porel. Interestingly, Pujara is versatile Tristan Stubbs No. 3, a position the South African has not traditionally held in the IPL, but one that allows him to dictate the tempo of the game.
What stands out about Pujara’s XI is the confidence he exudes David Miller. DC secured the veteran South African for ₹2 crore in the December auction. Battling LSG in 2025, Miller is seen by Pujara as the X-factor who can solve Delhi’s historic middle-order collapses.
“He will be a very important player for them. He can change the game at any time. If 70-80 runs are required off 30 deliveries, Miller can do it at Delhi’s home ground.“,” Pujara remarked while analyzing on Star Sports.
Pujara’s Predicted DC XI: KL Rahul, Abhishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Nitish Rana, Axar Patel, Ashutosh Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar/T Natarajan.
Also READ: IPL 2026: KL Rahul has played a clear role as Delhi Capitals look for stability
Mohammad Kaif dominates international firepower with Pathum Nissanka
Muhammad Kaifthe former DC assistant coach took a different tactical route. He believes the franchise should use the red-hot form of the Sri Lankan opener Pathum NissankaPurchased for ₹ 4 crore. It envisages a formidable opening partnership between Kaif, Nissanka and Rahul that will bring India’s domestic talent further down the order.
Kaif’s crew also finds room for hard shots Samir Rizvi Number 4 favors youth and aggressive intent. Unlike Pujara, Kaif chose to stay out Ashutosh Sharma Balancing lefties in the lower-middle order with Miller et al Akhar Patel. Kaif is waiting in the bowling department T Natarajan and Mitchell Starc to lead the tempo battery Mukesh Kumarcreating a deadly death-bowling combination.
Kaif’s Predicted DC XI: KL Rahul, Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar.
With comprehensive staff and strategic trading Nitish RanaThe Delhi Capitals look to have the most balanced roster they have fielded in years. Whether they stick to Pujara’s local stable or Kaif’s international talent, the quest for the 2026 trophy begins under the lights in Lucknow.
Also READ: Delhi Capitals have roped in the England legend as their assistant coach ahead of IPL 2026
