Former India opener Aakash Chopra suggested that Delhi Capitals (DC) might look toward Cameron Green and Heinrich Klaasen during the IPL Auction 2026, especially after their middle-order troubles last season. Chopra shared his analysis on his YouTube channel while assessing DC’s retention plans and potential auction strategy.
DC finished outside the top four in 2025 despite a strong start, ending with seven wins, six losses and one no-result. Their batting order shifted frequently across the season, creating instability in key phases of games.
Chopra emphasised that DC require a serious middle-order presence alongside the in-form Tristan Stubbs, who delivered consistently throughout the season.
“You will need another player in the middle order. Of course, there is Stubbs there, but you will need a proper middle-order batter because KL Rahul is not performing in the middle order. Ultimately, you ended up making him open anyway. Karun Nair, Rizvi, or Ashutosh Sharma, these players can only serve as twists and options. They can only be companions to Stubbs; they have not been able to work shoulder to shoulder. So you need another middle-order batter, and for that, you will need to release some money. You can do that, the options are available to you,” he said.
While discussing possible recruits, Chopra highlighted DC’s potential interest in overseas power-hitters if they become available.
“This is also a team that can go towards Cameron Green, and if anywhere Heinrich Klaasen gets released and comes in, then this team can also go towards Heinrich Klaasen. It’s not necessary that you have to keep with (Abishek) Porel or KL Rahul. Just do it with Klaasen, on that ground, that will be outstanding. It will be a lot of fun. They could have a lot of money,” he added.
DC’s Middle-Order Puzzle
KL Rahul struggled at No. 4, scoring 219 runs across seven innings with a modest strike rate. He performed far better while opening, which forced DC to reshuffle their lineup mid-season. Stubbs, meanwhile, thrived with composed finishing and a strike rate above 150.
Karun Nair, Sameer Rizwi, and Ashutosh Sharma had some bright moments, but none established themselves as long-term middle-order anchors.
Opening Combination Still Unsettled
DC also experimented heavily at the top. Abishek Porel, KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Karun Nair all had opportunities, but the franchise could not lock in a dependable pair.
Chopra warned that DC must stop rotating their openers. “They do not want to keep the musical chairs and revolving door system. If you want to settle the opening, you will need money for that. And the money will be available to you if you release so many players. That was one important aspect, so at least you get your batting order sorted,” he added.
Need for Indian Pacers Ahead of 2026 Season
Chopra also pointed out that DC’s spin unit already looks strong with Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Vipraj Nigam. According to him, the focus must shift toward rebuilding the Indian pace attack.
“If you release Mohit, Mukesh, and T. Natarajan, you will have to buy some Indian bowlers. That means you will need a bit more fast bowling because your spin department is already very strong. You have Kuldeep, Axar, Vipraj Nigam, your spin contingent is outstanding. So everything is fine there. But in fast bowling, with Dushmantha Chameera and Mitchell Starc, you need a bit more. You had kept Mustafizur Rahman, you can keep him or release him. And if you want to buy someone else, that option will remain available to you,” he concluded.
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