5 DC players who could be released before IPL 2027 — Full list, reasons & auction impact

Delhi Capitals had another disappointing IPL season in 2026. Under Axar Patel's captaincy, the team started strongly with wins over Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians. However, they lost momentum in the second half of the tournament and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the fifth straight season.

With another below-par campaign, Delhi Capitals are expected to make some tough decisions before the IPL 2027 auction. The franchise could release a few players who failed to justify their price tag or make a significant impact during the season. These changes would help the team free up funds and build a stronger, more balanced squad for the future.

Here are five Delhi Capitals players who could be released before the IPL 2027 auction, along with the reasons behind each decision and the possible impact on the auction.

5 players who might get released by Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of IPL 2027:

5. T. Natarajan

T. Natarajan comes in at number five on this list. Delhi Capitals signed the left-arm pacer for ₹10.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, hoping his experience and death-over skills would strengthen the bowling attack. However, he failed to make the expected impact during the IPL 2026 season.

Natarajan played 10 matches but managed to take only five wickets. He also struggled with the ball, conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.18. As one of the team's main death bowlers, he was unable to break key partnerships or control the flow of runs in crucial stages of matches.

With recurring injury concerns and a dip in form, Delhi Capitals may decide to release Natarajan before the IPL 2027 auction. Letting him go would free up a significant portion of the salary purse and allow the franchise to target a younger and more versatile Indian fast bowler.

4. Auqib Nabi

Auqib Nabi comes in at number four on this list. Delhi Capitals signed the uncapped fast-bowling all-rounder from Jammu and Kashmir for ₹8.40 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. However, his debut IPL season did not go as planned, as he struggled to make an impact with the ball.

The 25-year-old played five matches but failed to take a single wicket. He also conceded runs at an economy rate of 11.46, making it difficult for the team to rely on him during crucial phases of the innings. Despite showing promise as a pace-bowling all-rounder, he was unable to justify his price tag in his first IPL campaign.

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Although Auqib impressed with the ball for India A against Sri Lanka A by taking figures of 4/58 and 1/18 in a recent first-class match, his IPL performances remained below expectations. With Delhi Capitals looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the IPL 2027 auction, the franchise could release him and invest in a more experienced or proven domestic fast-bowling option.

3. Dushmantha Chameera

Dushmantha Chameera comes in at number three on this list. Delhi Capitals signed the Sri Lankan fast bowler for ₹75 lakh in the IPL 2025 mega auction as an experienced overseas pace option. However, he struggled to secure a regular place in the playing XI because of strong competition from other overseas players.

Chameera played only one match in IPL 2026 and failed to take a wicket, conceding 18 runs in two overs. Across two seasons with Delhi Capitals, he featured in just seven matches and picked up four wickets. His limited opportunities and lack of impact made him a backup option rather than a regular member of the bowling attack.

With Delhi Capitals expected to reshape their squad before the IPL 2027 auction, Chameera could be released to free up an overseas slot. The franchise may prefer to invest in an overseas player who can make a bigger impact and become a regular part of the playing XI.

2. Mukesh Kumar

Mukesh Kumar comes in at number two on this list. Delhi Capitals retained faith in the Indian pacer after signing him for ₹8 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, but he failed to deliver consistent performances during the IPL 2026 season.

The right-arm fast bowler played 10 matches and picked up only six wickets. He also struggled to control the run flow, finishing the season with an economy rate of 11.26. His recent performances reflected those struggles, as he returned figures of 0/40 against Rajasthan Royals, 1/31 against Punjab Kings, 0/55 against Punjab Kings, and 0/53 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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With Delhi Capitals expected to make changes before the IPL 2027 auction, Mukesh Kumar could be one of the players released. His high salary and underwhelming performances may encourage the franchise to invest in a more reliable Indian fast bowler for the next season.

1.Sameer Rizvi

Sameer Rizvi tops this list. Delhi Capitals signed the young batter as a promising middle-order option, hoping he would add firepower in the finishing overs. While he showed glimpses of his talent, he was unable to deliver consistently throughout the IPL 2026 season.

Rizvi played 11 matches and batted in nine innings, scoring 252 runs at an average of 36.00 and a strike rate of 147.36. He registered two half-centuries and hit 15 fours and 17 sixes. Despite these numbers, he struggled to make an impact in several crucial matches and could not provide the consistency Delhi Capitals needed in the middle order.

With Delhi Capitals expected to rebuild their squad before the IPL 2027 auction, Rizvi could be released despite his potential. The franchise may look for a more experienced middle-order batter who can deliver consistently in pressure situations, while Rizvi could benefit from a fresh start with another team.

Notable mentions

Pathum Nissanka:

Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka joined Delhi Capitals for ₹4 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. He played 10 matches and scored 278 runs while opening the batting. Although he made a few useful contributions, he was unable to cement his place in the playing XI and was dropped later in the season. As Delhi Capitals look to revamp their squad, Nissanka could be released ahead of the IPL 2027 auction.

Kyle Jamieson:

New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson served as a backup option for Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi during IPL 2026. He featured in only two matches, taking two wickets while conceding runs at an economy rate of 12.85. With limited opportunities and an overseas spot at stake, Delhi Capitals are likely to release Jamieson and target a more impactful overseas player before the next auction.

Prithvi Shaw:

Prithvi Shaw was once seen as the future of Delhi Capitals' batting lineup, but his time with the franchise now appears to be nearing an end. He struggled to regain a regular place in the playing XI as the team preferred options like Abishek Porel and Pathum Nissanka at the top of the order. With Delhi Capitals expected to reshape their squad ahead of IPL 2027, releasing Shaw could give both the player and the franchise an opportunity for a fresh start.

Conclusion

After another disappointing IPL 2026 season, Delhi Capitals have already made their biggest move ahead of the IPL 2027 campaign. The franchise completed a blockbuster trade with Lucknow Super Giants, bringing back Rishabh Pant while sending star spinner Kuldeep Yadav to LSG. The move marks the beginning of a major squad rebuild.

Pant's return gives Delhi Capitals an experienced wicketkeeper-batter and leader who knows the franchise well. At the same time, parting ways with Kuldeep Yadav was a significant decision, highlighting the team's willingness to make bold changes in search of better results.

With one major trade already completed, Delhi Capitals are expected to make more changes before the IPL 2027 auction. Releasing a few underperforming players could free up funds and help the franchise build a stronger, more balanced squad as they look to return to the playoffs and challenge for the IPL title.