Delhi Capitals (DC) will begin their IPL 2026 campaign with continuity in leadership, as Axar Patel continues as captain for the second straight season. Having taken charge after Rishabh Pant’s departure ahead of IPL 2025, Axar now carries the responsibility of taking the franchise a step further. After finishing fifth last season, Delhi will be eager to break new ground and chase their first-ever IPL title. One of their biggest advantages this year is stability at home – they will play all seven of their home matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, giving them consistent conditions and strong crowd support throughout the league stage.

The team also enters the season with a fresh look at the top of the order. KL Rahul is set to open alongside Pathum Nissanka, forming a new partnership that blends experience with composure. England’s Ben Duckett was initially in contention for the role but withdrew at the last moment, forcing a change in plans. Meanwhile, Prithvi Shaw makes a return to the squad after going unsold in the previous auction, adding further depth to the batting lineup. Delhi’s schedule soon takes them on a challenging southern tour in mid-April, with away fixtures against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). This stretch will test their adaptability across different conditions and venues.

Following this demanding phase, the schedule shifts in Delhi’s favour. They return home for a crucial run, playing four of their next five matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium – against Punjab Kings (PBKS), RCB and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), with only a brief trip to Jaipur to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 1. This home-heavy stretch could prove decisive in their push for the playoffs. Delhi will also play two afternoon fixtures – against Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 4 and PBKS on April 25 – requiring them to adjust to different playing conditions. They conclude their league campaign against KKR at Eden Gardens on May 24, with a short break beforehand to recover. With additions like David Miller, Lungi Ngidi and promising all-rounder Auqib Nabi, alongside the pace of Mitchell Starc and Kyle Jamieson, DC have the squad depth to mount a serious challenge this season.

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Delhi Capitals Full IPL 2026 Schedule

• April 1 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals – Lucknow – 7:30PM IST
• April 4 – Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians – Delhi – 7:30PM IST
• April 8 – Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans – Delhi – 7:30PM IST
• April 11 – Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals – Chennai – 7:30PM IST
• April 18 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals – Bengaluru – 3:30PM IST
• April 21 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals – Hyderabad – 7:30PM IST
• April 25 – Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings – Delhi – 3:30PM IST
• April 27 – Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Delhi – 7:30PM IST
• May 1 – Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals – Jaipur – 7:30PM IST
• May 5 – Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings – Delhi – 7:30PM IST
• May 8 – Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Delhi – 7:30PM IST
• May 11 – Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals – Dharamshala – 7:30PM IST
• May 17 – Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals – Delhi – 7:30PM IST
• May 24 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals – Kolkata – 7:30PM IST

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