Delhi Capitals Set for Squad Overhaul: Four Players Likely to Be Released Before IPL 2027 Mini Auction

Delhi Capitals will have a revamped backroom as they prepare for the IPL 2027 season. With Sourav Ganguly appointed as head coach, the former India captain may look to reshape the squad.

Here are four players the Delhi Capitals may look to offload ahead of the IPL 2027 mini auction. DC have already acquired a couple of players via trade deals, with Rishabh Pant and Zeeshan Ansari joining the team. Conversely, they have traded Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants and T Natarajan to Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Mukesh Kumar (₹8 Crore)

Delhi used a Right-to-Match card to secure Mukesh Kumar for ₹8 crore, expecting a reliable, dual-phase Indian pacer. The 2026 season delivered a harsh reality check. Mukesh managed only six wickets in 10 appearances, with an economy rate of 11.18 — mirroring Natarajan’s struggles. Across 31.5 overs, he conceded 356 runs at a staggering average of 71.20. Retaining a domestic pacer at that cost while averaging over 70 runs per wicket is financially imprudent. Releasing him back into the auction pool would free up crucial capital.

Dushmantha Chameera (₹75 Lakh)

Raw pace counts for little if a bowler cannot stay fit. Dushmantha Chameera possesses express speed but carries a troubling injury history. Allocating a precious overseas slot and a ₹75 lakh contract to a perennially injured fast bowler ties the coaching staff’s hands. He featured in just one match, bowling two overs for 18 runs. Delhi needs absolute durability from their foreign pace attack. Moving on from the Sri Lankan quick would immediately open an international roster spot, allowing the franchise to target battle-tested, physically reliable options.

Auqib Nabi (₹8.40 Crore)

Domestic pace backups must seize their rare opportunities. Auqib Nabi failed to capitalize during the 2026 campaign. The Jammu & Kashmir seamer saw limited action, bowling 13 overs and conceding 149 runs without a single wicket. A forgettable four-over spell against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala saw him leak 32 runs wicketless, while a brief outing at Eden Gardens against Kolkata Knight Riders yielded 23 runs in two overs without a breakthrough. Franchises typically use the mini-auction to churn the lower end of their roster. Releasing Nabi would shed his ₹8.40 crore contract and allow Delhi to trial younger, untested domestic pace talent.

Pathum Nissanka (₹4 Crore)

Despite a promising debut season in which Pathum Nissanka scored 278 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 158.86, the Capitals may opt to release the Sri Lankan opener ahead of IPL 2027. His overseas-player status, combined with competition for opening slots and a need to bolster other departments, could drive the decision. However, his explosive returns make retention a viable option. Should Delhi prioritize other areas, offloading him would inject a significant sum into their auction purse.

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