The Delhi Capitals (DC) have a storied yet challenging history in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite consistent appearances in the IPL playoffs, DC has often struggled to cross the finish line, which cemented its image as a franchise with unrealized potential.
But, as we approach the 18th edition of TATA IPL, the franchise’s choice of retained players is expected to reflect a focused effort to balance experience with emerging talent.
This year’s retention strategy might be key for DC as they work to move past previous setbacks and chase their first IPL trophy. The IPL 2025 Schedule is expected to kick off in mid-March, with fans eager to see if DC can make a strong team this time.
The supporters will be watching closely to see which players make it through the mega auction. Let’s have a look at the key players that are likely to be retained by Delhi Capitals and the potential impact they’ll bring to the field.
Possible DC Retained Players for IPL 2025
1. Rishabh Pant: The Captain and Anchor of DC
Rishabh Pant, who has been with DC since 2016, is undoubtedly the face of the franchise. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter has consistently scored over 400 runs per season, a testament to his batting prowess.
Pant’s journey took a challenging turn due to a near-fatal accident, but his comeback in IPL 2024 exemplified his resilience and leadership qualities.
Retaining Pant for next year’s IPL is crucial not only because of his skill but also because of the leadership and experience he brings to Delhi Capitals. With his tactical acumen and ability to play under pressure, Pant remains a pillar for Delhi’s lineup. His leadership on and off the field is invaluable, and his experience and consistency make him irreplaceable.
Rishabh Pant IPL Stats:
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
| IPL | 111 | 110 | 17 | 3,284 | 128 | 35.31 | 2205 | 148.93 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 296 | 154 |
2. Kuldeep Yadav: DC’s Spin Maestro
Since joining DC in 2022, Kuldeep Yadav has experienced a remarkable resurgence in his career. The left-arm spinner has become an integral part of DC’s bowling lineup and a valuable player in the Indian national team.
In his three seasons with Delhi Capitals, Yadav has consistently delivered results, claiming 47 wickets across 39 matches. His refined bowling technique, coupled with his ability to pick wickets in crucial moments, makes him one of Delhi’s most promising assets.
Yadav’s contribution goes beyond just his bowling skills. His athleticism and batting potential add depth to the team, making him an all-round package that Delhi Capitals would be hard-pressed to part with.
As we approach the edition of TATA IPL, Yadav’s retention appears to be a certainty, allowing them to build a competitive bowling attack around him.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Stats:
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
| IPL | 84 | 82 | 1746 | 2,388 | 87 | 4/14 | 4/14 | 8.21 | 27.45 | 20.07 | 0 | 0 |
3. Jake Fraser-McGurk: A Promising Opener
Australian talent Jake Fraser-McGurk has made a big impression since he joined this franchise as a last-minute replacement in 2024. Known for his aggressive play style, McGurk has proven his mettle as an opener, racking up 330 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 234.04 in his debut season.
His ability to score quickly and efficiently makes him a valuable retained player for DC, especially as they seek a strong opening combination in the 18th edition of IPL.
McGurk’s impressive numbers and his knack for scoring boundaries indicate that Delhi may have found a long-term asset in him. His retention not only strengthens the top order but also shows DC’s commitment to investing in young talent who can contribute over multiple seasons.
Jake Fraser-McGurk IPL Stats:
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
| IPL | 9 | 9 | 0 | 330 | 84 | 36.67 | 141 | 234.04 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 32 | 28 |
4. Tristan Stubbs: Adding Power to the Batting Lineup
South African batsman Tristan Stubbs has proven to be a valuable addition to the Delhi Capitals. Acquired during the 2024 mini-auction, Stubbs quickly displayed his explosive batting abilities. Across 13 matches, Stubbs accumulated 378 runs at an average of 54.00, with a stellar strike rate of 190.90, including three half-centuries and a season-best score of 71*.
Out of all, Stubbs delivered a season’s best performance against LSG, where he hammered an unbeaten 57 off just 25 balls, with three fours and four sixes
His powerful hitting and ability to handle pressure make him an exciting retained player for the upcoming season. Stubbs’ contribution is particularly important, as he offers much-needed power in the middle order, an area where Delhi has sometimes struggled.
Stubb’s inclusion in the list of DC retained players 2025 will add firepower to Capital’s lineup, giving them an edge in high-stakes matches where quick scoring is essential.
Tristan Stubbs IPL Stats:
# Batting Stats:
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
| IPL | 18 | 17 | 6 | 405 | 71 | 36.82 | 233 | 173.82 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 26 | 26 |
# Bowling Stats:
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
| IPL | 18 | 3 | 24 | 29 | 4 | 2/11 | 2/11 | 7.25 | 7.25 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
5. Axar Patel: The All-Rounder DC Relies On
Axar Patel has been with the Delhi Capitals since 2019, and his all-around skills have been indispensable for the team. Known for his tight bowling spells and timely contributions with the bat, Axar has become a mainstay in Delhi’s lineup.
The 2024 season witnessed Axar’s best IPL performance, a stunning 66-run inning that showcased his capability as a floater in the batting lineup.
Apart from that, Axar claimed 11 wickets across 14 games at an average of 30.63. His controlled bowling, with an economy rate of just 7.65, was unmatched within the Delhi squad, where no other bowler maintained an economy under 8.5 (minimum three overs).
Axar’s ability to handle pressure, fielding skill, and experience make him a vital asset. Heading into the next year’s IPL, his retention is almost guaranteed, as he brings balance to the team by strengthening both the bowling and batting departments.
Axar Patel IPL Stats:
# Batting Stats:
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
| IPL | 150 | 113 | 36 | 1,653 | 66 | 21.47 | 1263 | 130.88 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 107 | 79 |
# Bowling Stats:
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
| IPL | 150 | 148 | 3099 | 3,758 | 123 | 4/21 | 4/21 | 7.28 | 30.55 | 25.2 | 0 | 0 |
6. Abishek Porel: The Future of DC’s Wicketkeeping
Abishek Porel’s emergence as a reliable wicketkeeper-batter has been a significant highlight for this team. His adaptability in various batting positions, coupled with his consistency, allowed him to score 327 runs across 12 innings in IPL 2024, often playing crucial roles in winning causes.
His impressive performance, particularly as an uncapped player, indicates that Delhi Capitals could secure a strong future by retaining him.
Porel’s presence provides DC with stability and flexibility in the batting order. With Prithvi Shaw’s role becoming uncertain, Porel’s retention seems a smart move, as it ensures the team has a dependable wicketkeeper who can also contribute with the bat.
Abhishek Porel IPL Stats:
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
| IPL | 18 | 16 | 2 | 360 | 65 | 25.71 | 236 | 152.54 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 37 | 15 |
Overall, as DC heads into IPL 2025, retaining these core players will be crucial for building a competitive squad. The team’s strategy appears to focus on a mix of experience and youth, ensuring that they have both stability and potential in key positions.
The upcoming mega-auction will be a turning point for all IPL franchises, and Delhi’s decisions on retention will shape the team’s prospects. While the team has come close in the past, the roster retained for 2025 reflects their ambition to make this year a defining one.
Fans of DC and cricket enthusiasts will be eager to see if these retained players can help DC lift the trophy, ending their journey of near-misses and setting a new benchmark in IPL history.
