13 Cr Star Out Of Plans; Players Delhi Capitals Should Release Before IPL 2027

Delhi Capitals – (Source: AFP)

13 Cr Star Out Of Plans; Players Delhi Capitals Should Release Before IPL 2027

On Sunday, May 24, Delhi Capitals concluded another IPL season without a trophy. The 19-year-long wait for silverware continues, as the Axar Patel-led side finished sixth on the points table with just 14 points from 14 matches.

The only silver lining? They ended the campaign on a high note—three consecutive wins, capped by a solid victory over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens in their final group-stage fixture. But beyond that brief flourish, inconsistencies plagued the team throughout the tournament.

Now that the season is officially over, Delhi Capitals are already shifting focus to IPL 2027. With a mega auction on the horizon, squad overhaul is inevitable. To maximize their bidding power, the management must make tough calls and release underperforming players to free up crucial purse space.

Here’s a look at five players Delhi Capitals should consider parting ways with before IPL 2027—and how much financial flexibility it could bring.

Karun Nair – 50 Lakhs

Karun Nair was retained by Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2026 for a base price of 50 lakhs. At 34, he showed some promise in IPL 2025, scoring 198 runs in eight innings. But this season, he failed to deliver when it mattered.

In just two appearances, Nair managed a meager 18 runs. More concerning were his fielding lapses. During the crucial match against Punjab Kings—where DC defended 265—he dropped two vital catches of Shreyas Iyer. Those errors proved costly, ultimately contributing to a shocking defeat.

Given his lack of impact and age, releasing Nair makes strategic sense. It won’t free up much money, but it opens room for younger, more dynamic middle-order options.

T Natarajan – 10.75 Crores

T Natarajan’s Rs 10.75 crore contract raised eyebrows even before IPL 2026 began—especially after he missed the entire 2025 season mysteriously. This year, the left-arm seamer started well but faded badly.

In 10 matches, he took just five wickets at an alarming economy rate of 11.18. For six consecutive games, he went wicketless—a record no high-priced pacer should endure. His inability to contain runs or break partnerships forced Delhi to drop him mid-tournament.

Releasing Natarajan would free up over 10.75 crores—significant funds that could be redirected toward a more reliable death bowler or all-rounder.

Mukesh Kumar – 8 Crores

Bowling was a persistent weakness for Delhi Capitals this season. Mukesh Kumar, retained for 8 crores, was expected to lead the pace attack but underdelivered.

The 32-year-old managed only six wickets in 10 games, often proving expensive with an economy rate exceeding 11. While he showed glimpses of control, consistency eluded him. In high-pressure games, he lacked the bite needed from a lead pacer.

With pace talent expected to flood the IPL 2027 auction, now is the time for Delhi to move on and reinvest these 8 crores wisely.

Rehan Ahmed – 2 Crores

Rehan Ahmed was brought in as a last-minute replacement after Ben Duckett withdrew from IPL 2026—earning him a 75-lakh contract. Yet, despite being part of the squad, the English leg-spinner didn’t play a single match.

With no opportunity given and limited long-term value, retaining him for another cycle seems unlikely. Releasing Ahmed could effectively return 2 crores to the purse, considering how he was acquired under special circumstances.

Kuldeep Yadav – 13.25 Crores (The 13 Cr Star)

This one stings. Kuldeep Yadav, the marquee spinner and highest-paid player in the DC camp at 13.25 crores, may be the biggest shock release.

Let’s be fair: one bad season doesn’t erase years of quality. But with just 10 wickets in 11 matches, and frequent leaks in the powerplay overs, his impact was minimal. His standout performance came in the final game—three wickets against KKR—but by then, playoff hopes were already dead.

While loyalty is important, franchises must prioritize future balance. Letting go of Kuldeep frees up the largest purse chunk—13.25 crores—which could be game-changing in 2027.

Total Purse Value: 34.50 Crores

If Delhi Capitals release all five players—Karun Nair, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Rehan Ahmed, and Kuldeep Yadav—they can unlock a massive 34.50 crores in purse space.

That’s enough to target world-class all-rounders, premium fast bowlers, or even retain emerging homegrown stars in the upcoming mega auction.

The road to silverware is paved with hard decisions. For Delhi Capitals, the time to reset is now.