Axar Patel Out? Players To Be Released By Delhi Capitals Before IPL 2027
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Delhi Capitals Face Hard Questions After Another Missed Playoff Run
Another IPL season, another early exit. On Sunday evening in Kolkata, the Delhi Capitals will bring the curtain down on yet another campaign without a playoff appearance. Their fate was sealed even before their final match, with Punjab Kings’ victory over Lucknow Super Giants on the penultimate day of the league stage officially eliminating DC from contention.
Despite entering IPL 2026 with a star-studded squad assembled through strategic picks at the mega auction, the Capitals struggled to find consistency. A mix of underwhelming individual performances and questionable tactical calls derailed any chance of building momentum. Even a record-breaking 264-run total at Arun Jaitley Stadium wasn’t enough to secure a win — a painful symbol of the side’s inefficiency.
With six wins and seven losses, Delhi sits 12th on the points table with 12 points. A win against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens could lift them to fifth place if other results go their way, but it would only be a meaningless consolation. As the team reflects on another failed campaign, attention now shifts to the future — and to the players who might not be part of it.
Axar Patel Out? Players To Be Released By Delhi Capitals Before IPL 2027
The biggest talking point heading into the off-season is whether all-rounder Axar Patel could be on his way out. While he remains a key contributor with both bat and ball, Delhi may consider releasing him to free up significant purse space and rebuild around younger, more dynamic talent. Though nothing is confirmed, the writing may be on the wall for a transition.
Players in the Firing Line After IPL 2026
Karun Nair
Purchased at base price during the IPL 2025 mega auction on the back of strong domestic form, Karun Nair began with a bang — smashing 89 off 40 balls against Mumbai Indians, even taking on Jasprit Bumrah. However, that innings has remained the high point.
In 10 innings across IPL 2025 and 2026, Nair has managed just 216 runs at a strike rate of 175.60 and an average of 21.60. His lone fifty remains his only notable contribution. Used sparingly this season, Delhi now has multiple in-house options — Sameer Rizvi, Sahil Parakh, Abishek Porel, and Nitish Rana — who can bat at number three.
Releasing Nair would free up INR 50 lakh and allow the franchise to explore more reliable middle-order solutions.
T Natarajan
Once a feared death bowler with Sunrisers Hyderabad and a regular in the Indian setup, T Natarajan’s career trajectory has dipped due to recurring injuries. Now 35, he was retained by Delhi Capitals for IPL 2026 despite fitness concerns.
This season, he played 10 matches, taking only 5 wickets at an economy rate of 11.18. Three of those wickets came in a single game — his 3/29 against LSG — making his overall impact inconsistent. With pace resources evolving rapidly, Delhi may look to cut ties and free up INR 10.75 crore for younger, more agile bowlers.
Mukesh Kumar
Mukesh Kumar has been a regular in the DC pace attack, emerging as the team’s third-highest wicket-taker over the last two seasons with 18 scalps in 22 matches. On his day, he can test top-order batters with disciplined line and length.
But consistency remains a concern. Since IPL 2025, he’s conceded runs at 10.74 per over. In IPL 2026 alone, he picked just 6 wickets in 10 games at an economy of 11.26 — alarming for a frontline pacer. With the emergence of Auqib Nabi and other young quicks, Delhi could opt to release Mukesh, unlocking INR 8 crore for future investments.
Total Purse Space Available: INR 19.25 Crore
If all three players — Karun Nair, T Natarajan, and Mukesh Kumar — are released, Delhi Capitals would free up a combined INR 19.25 crore. That substantial amount could be pivotal in acquiring high-impact players during the IPL 2027 auction, especially if the franchise decides to move on from established names like Axar Patel.
As Delhi Capitals walk away from another forgettable season, tough choices lie ahead. The path to relevance won’t come from minor tweaks — it demands bold decisions, financial flexibility, and a commitment to youth. The era of retooling has officially begun.
