IPL 2026: Top 3 Worst Releases by Delhi Capitals in IPL History

In a tournament as dynamic as the Indian Premier League, timing plays a crucial role in squad decisions. Letting go of a player too early or at the wrong phase of their career can prove expensive, especially when they go on to become global stars.

For the Delhi Capitals (formely known as Delhi Daredevils), a few such calls have stood out over the years, where potential and proven talent slipped through their hands. Several players who once represented the franchise later flourished for other teams, making their departures tough to justify in hindsight. On that note, here are the top three worst releases by the Delhi Capitals in IPL history.

1. AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers started his IPL journey with Delhi but was released before reaching his peak. After moving to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he transformed into one of the greatest players in IPL history, being the pillar of impeccable batting and the face of the team's legacy.

Known for his 360-degree batting, ability to dominate any bowling attack, and consistency across seasons, AB became the backbone of RCB’s batting lineup. Letting go of a player of his calibre remains one of the biggest regrets for the franchise.