Delhi Capitals (DC) have made bold moves ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, announcing a list of retained and released players on October 31 that shocked fans with the release of long-time captain and star batsman, Rishabh Pant. The decision marks the end of Pant’s nine-year journey with the franchise, leaving DC with a restructured core squad as they aim to secure their first-ever IPL title.
Following a challenging 2024 season where DC finished sixth with 14 points, the franchise retained four key players, headlined by all-rounder Axar Patel at Rs 16.5 crore and spinner Kuldeep Yadav at Rs 13.25 crore. South African batter Tristan Stubbs remains in the lineup, valued at Rs 10 crore, while uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman Abishek Porel was retained for Rs 4 crore, rounding out a solid core.
The franchise also announced major coaching changes, ending a successful seven-year tenure with Ricky Ponting as head coach. This shift signifies a new era for DC, with a focus on balancing consistency with fresh strategies.
With a substantial remaining purse of Rs 76.25 crore and two RTM (Right to Match) cards available, DC heads into the IPL 2025 auction with ambitions to fill gaps left by other releases, such as international stars David Warner, Anrich Nortje, and Prithvi Shaw. The team plans to strengthen its batting and pace departments to complement its established spin duo of Axar and Kuldeep, aiming to finally end their title drought.
DC Retained Players for IPL 2025:
1. Axar Patel (Rs 16.5 cr)
2. Kuldeep Yadav (Rs 13.25 cr)
3. Tristan Stubbs (Rs 10 cr)
4. Abishek Porel (Rs 4 cr, Uncapped)
