13 Cr Star Out Of Plans; Players Delhi Capitals Should Release Before IPL 2027
Delhi Capitals’ 2026 IPL campaign ended in familiar fashion—on the outside looking in at the playoffs. Despite a spirited finish with three consecutive wins, including a dramatic victory over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, the team secured only 14 points from 14 matches, finishing sixth on the points table. The trophy drought stretches into its 19th year, and while there were flickers of promise, significant changes loom on the horizon.
Time for a Reset: Delhi Capitals’ Squad Overhaul Ahead of IPL 2027
With the season officially over, Delhi Capitals have shifted focus to IPL 2027. A major purse reset is expected as the franchise looks to release high-value players who underperformed, making space for fresh talent in the upcoming auction cycle. One of the most talked-about decisions? The possible departure of a 13.25 crore star. Here’s a look at the players Delhi Capitals should release—and the massive financial relief it could bring.
Karun Nair (50 Lakhs)
Karun Nair, retained for 50 lakhs ahead of IPL 2026, entered the season with momentum after scoring 198 runs in 8 innings the previous year. However, his 2026 campaign was disastrous. In just two appearances, he managed only 18 runs and failed to capitalize on his opportunities with the bat. Worse still, his fielding came under heavy criticism.
During a crucial match against Punjab Kings—where Delhi defended 265—Nair dropped two vital catches off Shreyas Iyer, directly contributing to a collapse and eventual defeat. At 34, and without consistent returns, his spot in the squad looks increasingly untenable.
T Natarajan (10.75 Crores)
Acquired for a hefty 10.75 crores, T Natarajan was expected to be a game-changer for Delhi’s pace attack. Instead, he faded into obscurity. The left-arm seamer started strong but managed only 5 wickets in 10 matches, with a concerning economy rate of 11.18.
Most alarmingly, Natarajan went wicketless for six consecutive games, prompting Delhi Capitals to drop him mid-season. Given his price tag and lack of impact, releasing him before IPL 2027 would not only free up significant funds but also signal a bold reset in bowling strategy.
Mukesh Kumar (8 Crores)
Mukesh Kumar, retained for 8 crores, was supposed to bolster Delhi’s death-bowling options. But the 32-year-old managed just 6 wickets in 10 innings, frequently leaking runs with an economy hovering above 11. In a tournament where economy can make or break a match, such returns from a high-value pacer are simply unacceptable.
Delhi’s bowling unit struggled throughout the season, and with better-qualified pacers likely available in the 2027 auction, parting ways with Mukesh Kumar seems like a logical, if tough, decision.
Rehan Ahmed (2 Crores)
Rehan Ahmed was signed as a replacement for Ben Duckett, who pulled out of IPL 2026 last minute and was subsequently banned by the BCCI. Ahmed, picked up for 75 lakhs, didn’t play a single match despite being part of the squad. Given his inactivity and the investment associated with his slot, Delhi Capitals stand to reclaim a purse value of 2 crores if they release him.
With numerous all-round spin options emerging globally, Delhi may look to target a more impactful overseas spinner or all-rounder in the next auction.
Kuldeep Yadav (13.25 Crores) – The 13 Cr Star Out Of Plans
The most shocking potential release is that of Kuldeep Yadav. The star spinner, bought for 13.25 crores, had a subpar season by his standards—10 wickets in 11 matches. While he did deliver a three-wicket haul in Delhi’s final group-stage game, it wasn’t enough to salvage his overall impact.
Traditionally a wicket-taker in middle overs, Kuldeep struggled to maintain pressure and was often targeted by batters. Given his price and the availability of emerging spin talents, Delhi Capitals might view this as the right time to move on. Releasing him would free up a staggering 13.25 crores—enough to bid aggressively for multiple top-tier players in 2027.
Total Purse Value: 34.5 Crores Up for Grabs
If Delhi Capitals release all five players—Karun Nair, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Rehan Ahmed, and Kuldeep Yadav—they could free up a combined purse value of 34.5 crores. That’s more than half the standard retention purse, offering immense flexibility ahead of IPL 2027.
This kind of financial reset could allow Delhi to target younger, in-form players and rebuild a balanced, dynamic squad capable of finally ending their title drought.
