The IPL 2026 retention deadline is just around the corner and Delhi Capitals are tasked with deciding on which batters to retain. Axar Patel and co. finished 6th on the points table in 2025, having won seven matches and lost six. Deciding on their batting line-up will be the least of the worries for DC, as their batters lived up to the expectations in IPL 2025. The deadline for teams to finalize on retentions is November 15 following which the mini-auction will be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of the retention deadline, let’s take a look at 4 batters that DC should retain for IPL 2026.
Batters DC should retain for IPL 2026
1. KL Rahul
It will be a no-brainer for DC to retain their best batter after having scored 539 runs in 13 innings, averaging 53.90. Freed from the burden of captaincy and the toxic environment in LSG, the Karnataka batter was able to express himself freely while playing at the top of the order for DC. There is no doubt that he is going to be a mainstay for DC and their future opener for multiple seasons to come.
2. Abhishek Porel
The West Bengal star was arguably one of DC’s best and consistent batters in IPL 2025. Having made his IPL debut in 2023 with the team, the 23-year-old has gone on to clock over 300 runs in two consecutive seasons, emerging as one of DC’s most reliable batters. In 2025, Porel amassed 301 runs from 13 matches, including one half-century.
3. Tristan Stubbs
Another batter who has emerged as DC’s Mr. Dependable in the middle-order is the South African star. He has grown leaps and bounds after moving to DC from MI in 2024 and has managed to amass 300+ runs in consecutive seasons. Although is best season came in 2024 where he scored 378 runs, he managed to score 300 runs from 14 matches in IPL 2025, averaging 50, having struck 25 fours and 11 sixes.
4. Faf du Plessis
Age is no bar for the South African to continue flying high and he proved it once again in IPL 2025. DC managed to get a steal deal by buying du Plessis in the mega auction following which he was named vice-captain as well. While he did miss some games due to injury, the veteran managed to amass 202 runs from 9 matches.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
India squad for T20 World Cup: Shubman Gill's form big concern, Rinku vs Washi likely
Top Stories
