Abu Dhabi: Uncapped Indian talent was in the spotlight at the IPL 2026 player auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The Delhi Capitals, co-owners of JSW and GMR, secured several promising homegrown players, most notably the signing of Auqib Nabi Dar. The franchise also added proven international quality to its squad, bringing in experienced campaigner David Miller, England’s Ben Duckett and Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka to bolster both depth and experience.
Delhi Capitals started the day by securing experienced South African middle-order batsman David Miller for Rs 2 crore, making him the first player to be sold at the auction. The 36-year-old left-hander brings extensive IPL experience, having played in 141 matches and scored 3,077 runs, including 13 half-centuries and a century.
Speaking about the acquisition of Miller, head coach Badani said: “We are very happy and delighted to have David Miller in the squad. He adds valuable left-handed strength to the middle order and brings a wealth of experience having played in the IPL for many years. We also feel that we have managed to sign him at a price that represents tremendous value for us.”
Englishman Ben Duckett was the next to move to the Capitals. The aggressive top-order batsman was all set for his first IPL stint after being picked up for Rs 2 crore. Duckett has scored 5,397 runs in 216 T20 matches at a strike rate of 140.18, including 34 half-centuries.
Among the standout signings of the day was uncapped Indian all-rounder Auqib Nabi Dar, who was signed for Rs 8.40 crore after an intense bidding war between several franchises. The 29-year-old from Jammu and Kashmir has been in impressive form domestically and recently picked up 15 wickets in seven games with an economy rate of under eight in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Delhi Capitals further strengthened their batting power by acquiring Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka for Rs 4 crore. Sri Lanka’s leading T20I run-scorer, Nissanka, has scored 2,345 runs in 79 T20Is at an average of 31.68 and a strike rate of 126.96.
The franchise also added pace with the return of South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who was bought for Rs 2 crore. Ngidi, previously part of the Capitals squad in 2022, has claimed 77 T20I wickets in 55 matches at an economy of 8.82.
Delhi Capitals picked up opener Sahil Parakh for Rs 30 lakh. The left-hander impressed in the Maharashtra Premier League, scoring 202 runs at a strike rate of 177.19, including a title-winning season with the Eagle Nashik Titans.
Delhi Capitals also brought back opening batsman Prithvi Shaw for Rs 75 lakh. The right-hander, who first joined the franchise in 2018 and enjoyed a standout season with 479 runs in 2021, returns to his usual colors ahead of IPL 2026.
At the conclusion of the IPL 2026 auction, Delhi Capitals secured New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson for Rs 2 crore. The fast bowler has taken 14 wickets in 13 IPL games with an economy of 9.67.
Talking about the exciting additions to the squad, Delhi Capitals Chairman and Co-Owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi said, “We went into the auction with a clear plan and were able to secure most of the players we identified. We targeted experienced foreign batsmen like David Miller and Ben Duckett, which helped us strengthen these spots while investing in the future with a young talent like Sahil Parakh. Additionally, we acquired a very promising bowler from Jammu and Kashmir in Auqib. Overall believe “I think we have most areas covered and have built a strong, balanced squad if we show courage on the field and make the most of our opportunities. Our fans deserve nothing less.”
Talking about Prithvi Shaw’s signing with Delhi Capitals, he added, “Prithvi has done well for Delhi Capitals in the past. Every player goes through ups and downs and this is an opportunity for him to make a strong comeback. We see this as a second chance for Prithvi and I am really looking forward to seeing him return to Delhi, take this opportunity seriously and give his best for the team.”
Speaking about uncapped players stealing the limelight at the IPL 2026 auction, Mr. Parth Jindal, Co-Owner of Delhi Capitals and Founder of JSW Sports said, “Every year the IPL evolves and matures as a franchise-based league. Scouting has become a very big part of the IPL and because of this, even before the auction, we all knew a few names as players who were gunning for big money. Whether that was the case.” Kartik Sharma or Auqib Nabi Dar, there were so many of them.”
“The IPL is where young players who come through domestic cricket make a name for themselves and then go on to play for India. What may be unknown to the general public is actually very well known to all ten franchises. Everyone is on the lookout for talent who they believe will be the next big thing and I am sure some of them will break through in the next year or two and even make their debut for Team India,” he added.
Delhi Capitals squad after IPL 2026 auction
- David Miller (bought for ₹2 crore)
- Ben Duckett (bought for ₹2 crore)
- Auqib Nabi Dar (bought for ₹8.40 crore)
- Pathum Nissanka (bought for ₹4 crore)
- Lunger Hadded (bought for ₹2 crore)
- Sahil Parakh (purchased for ₹30 lakh)
- Prithvi Shaw (bought for ₹75 lakh)
- Kyle Jamieson (bought for ₹2 crore)
- Abishek Porel (retained)
- Ajay Mandal (retained)
- Ashutosh Sharma (retained)
- Axar Patel (retained)
- Dushmantha Chameera (keep)
- Karun Nair (retained)
- KL Rahul (retained)
- Kuldeep Yadav (retained)
- Madhav Tiwari (retained)
- Mitchell Starc (retained)
- Sameer Rizvi (retained)
- T Natarajan (retained)
- Tripura Vijay (retained)
- Tristan Stubbs (retained)
- Vipraj Nigam (retained)
- Mukesh Kumar (retained)
- Nitish Rana (traded)
