Delhi Capitals walk into the auction with INR 21.8 crore burning a hole in their pocket. December 16, 2025, is when the IPL 2026 auction finally kicks off in Abu Dhabi. DC needs to fill eight slots with five reserved specifically for the overseas list. This Delhi Capitals target strategy focuses on fixing their middle order and bowling lineup.
Let’s check DC’s potential targeted players.
- Steve Smith
Steve Smith tops the Delhi Capitals target players list for bringing experience and stability upfront. The Australian legend can anchor innings while others play aggressively around him in IPL 2026. His high average in 2025 shows he’s still got plenty left in the tank. Smith would eat up a valuable overseas slot but he’s worth every penny honestly.
- Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan is the explosive Indian batter every team wants desperately this season. His 100 off 47 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy made everyone’s jaws drop. DC needs someone who can accelerate after the powerplay when things get tight. Sarfaraz fits that profile perfectly with his fearless batting style and domestic dominance.
- Gerald Coetzee
Gerald Coetzee brings the genuine pace that franchises are desperately hunting for in IPL 2026. The young South African can bowl death overs and take wickets in the middle. Injury cut his 2025 season short but his SA20 figures prove he’s a class. Getting Coetzee would massively strengthen DC’s overseas pace bowling options for the bidding ahead.
- Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer is the Indian all-rounder that franchises will battle hard to grab here. His left-handed batting destroys bowling attacks when he gets going properly during matches. Those 45 off 29 and 60 off 29 knocks in IPL 2025 show his game-changing ability. His medium pace gives DC another bowling option when they need it badly.
- David Miller
David Miller remains one of cricket’s most lethal finishers available at this IPL 2026 auction. DC struggles closing out innings when pressure builds in the final overs constantly. Miller’s 58.50 average in SA20 2025 proves he still owns that finishing role. Getting ‘Killer Miller’ would solve the Delhi Capitals’ target players hunt for a proper closer.
