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

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

Another season, another missed opportunity. Delhi Capitals wrapped up their IPL 2026 campaign on May 24 without lifting the trophy, finishing sixth in the points table with just 14 points from 14 matches. The 19-year wait for a maiden IPL title continues, despite ending the season with three consecutive wins, including a morale-boosting victory over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.

With the season behind them, the focus has already shifted to IPL 2027. The Delhi Capitals management is assessing their squad depth and financial flexibility. To make room for new blood and high-impact players in the upcoming auction, they must release several key names. Doing so could free up a massive ₹34.50 crores in purse value. Here’s a breakdown of the players who should be on the chopping block—starting with the 13 crore star whose time may be up.

Karun Nair (₹50 Lakhs): A Costly Misfire

Karun Nair entered IPL 2026 with some promise after scoring 198 runs in eight innings the previous season. However, at 34, his form collapsed this year. In just two appearances, he managed a mere 18 runs and failed to capitalize on his opportunities with the bat.

But it wasn’t just his batting that drew criticism. In a crucial match against Punjab Kings, where Delhi defended a strong total of 265, Nair dropped two vital catches of Shreyas Iyer. Those errors directly impacted the outcome, leading to a surprising defeat. Given his age, declining performance, and fielding lapses, releasing Nair makes financial and strategic sense.

T Natarajan (₹10.75 Crores): Expensive Lack of Impact

T Natarajan, bought for ₹10.75 crores, was expected to be a game-changer with his left-arm pace. But the 35-year-old managed only five wickets in 10 matches, with a worrying economy rate of 11.18. More alarmingly, he went wicketless in six consecutive games.

His inability to break partnerships or contain runs led to his eventual omission from the playing XI. For a bowler commanding such a high price tag, the return was underwhelming. Releasing him frees up significant funds and signals a shift toward younger, more consistent options.

Mukesh Kumar (₹8 Crores): High Price, Low Returns

Delhi’s bowling attack was a persistent concern throughout the season, and Mukesh Kumar’s performance didn’t help. Retained for ₹8 crores, the 32-year-old managed just six wickets in 10 innings, coupled with an economy rate above 11.

For a pacer expected to operate in the death overs, such figures are simply not sustainable. While he showed flashes of skill, consistency was missing. Letting him go allows DC to explore faster, more economical alternatives in the auction.

Rehan Ahmed (₹2 Crores): Unused Asset

Rehan Ahmed was brought in as a replacement after Ben Duckett pulled out of IPL 2026, resulting in a two-year BCCI ban. DC acquired Ahmed for ₹75 lakhs, but he didn’t play a single match all season.

Despite his potential as a young leg-spinner and handy lower-order batter, the lack of game time makes his retention difficult to justify. Releasing him returns ₹2 crores to the purse and opens space for a more integrated spin-bowling option.

Kuldeep Yadav (₹13.25 Crores): The Shocking Exit?

This is the big one. Kuldeep Yadav, the 13 crore star, may be out of Delhi’s long-term plans. Despite being one of India’s premier spinners, he managed only 10 wickets in 11 matches. His best performance came in the final group game with a three-wicket haul, but that was too little, too late.

While loyalty to a proven performer is important, DC’s need to revamp their spin department and manage finances could outweigh sentiment. Releasing Kuldeep frees up ₹13.25 crores—the largest single saving—and paves the way for a new lead spinner.

Total Purse Value: ₹34.50 Crores Up for Grabs

Releasing Karun Nair, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Rehan Ahmed, and Kuldeep Yadav collectively frees up ₹34.50 crores. That’s enough firepower to target marquee international stars, emerging talents, or multiple high-value domestic players in the IPL 2027 auction.

Delhi Capitals’ journey remains one of potential over results. Strategic squad pruning now could finally bridge the gap between promise and trophy glory.