IPL 2025 retention players list and RTM strategies for DC

Delhi Capitals are one of the oldest teams in the league that is yet to win the Indian Premier League title. Last year Delhi finished 6th in the table missing out on qualification for playoffs by a mere 2 points as they lost their penultimate game of the season. IPL 2025 auctions will represent yet another chance for Delhi to their combination right. 

Ricky Ponting has already left Delhi to take over as the new coach of Punjab Kings ahead of new season. There are speculations that Delhi could be looking at an Indian option to replace the former Australian skipper. There are also reports that David Warner could be one of the players that could be released ahead of the IPL 2025 Auction. 

Delhi Capitals have one of the youngest sides in the league. With names like Rishabh Pant, Tristan Stubbs, and Jake Fraser-McGurk in the team, Delhi are well stacked for the future. Apart from these young stars the team also has a huge collection of experienced players who will hold the key. 

Also read: IPL 2025 retention players list and RTM strategies for SRH

Here is the likely retention and RTM strategy for Delhi Capitals 

1- Rishabh Pant 

Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant is set to be the top retention ahead of the IPL 2025 auctions. The 26-year-old is also in fine form with the bat as his return to international cricket suggests. Rishabh Pant will be the captain of the side and will hope to bring the elusive IPL title to Arun Jaitley Stadium. Rishabh Pant has played a total of 111 games in the IPL for Delhi Capitals and scored 3284 runs. The left-handed batter has also hit 1 ton along with 18 fifties. Behind the stumps, Pant has taken 75 catches along with 23 stumpings. 

2- Axar Patel 

All-rounder Axar Patel has been in top form with the bat and ball in the last few years. The 30-year-old played a crucial innings for India in the T20 World Cup showing the big match ability he has. Axar Patel is also very lethal with the ball as he can beat the batters with his accuracy and pace on the ball. The all-rounder also is a choice for leadership whenever Rishabh Pant has to take a break. Axar Patel has scored 967 runs from his 82 games for the franchise with 3 fifties and also taken 62 wickets. 

3- Tristan Stubbs 

South African star Tristan Stubbs played just four games for Mumbai Indians before moving north. His first season with Delhi Capitals showed the world how dangerous he is with the bat in hand. Tristan Stubbs played a key role for Delhi in the middle and lower middle order. His effortless hitting of the ball gave his side the cushion to score runs and put pressure on the opposition. Tristan Stubbs has played 14 games for Delhi Capitals and scored 378 runs with 3 fifties and has a strike rate of 190. 

4- Kuldeep Yadav 

Rishabh Pant has formed a great partnership with Kuldeep Yadav. The left-arm wrist spinner missed a few games last season due to injuries. This is when the Capitals lost their form and went on a losing run. Once Kuldeep was back the team looked different and this will be a key reason behind his retention. Kuldeep Yadav also has found a new lease life in DC. In a total of 39 games, Yadav has picked 47 wickets with 3 four wicket hauls and an economy rate of 8.13 per over. 

5- Anrich Nortje 

South African speedster Anrich Nortje is one of the genuine pacers who can bowl quick. The right-arm pacer is also accurate and can get the pacers with his toe-crushing Yorkers and hurl bouncers with ease. Anrich Nortje has played for Delhi Capitals since his debut and for a while held the record for the fastest ball bowled in IPL. The South African has picked 60 wickets from the 46 games he has played so far with a best of 3/33. 

Right to Match card – Abhishek Porel 

Young Abhishek Porel could be one of the hotly contested players during the IPL 2025 auctions. The 22-year-old came to focus as a replacement player during IPL 2023. His biggest knock came during the first match of IPL 2024 season for Delhi against Punjab where he scored 32 off 10 balls. The left-handed batter also scored his 1st IPL fifty with 65 against Rajasthan Royals. In 18 matches, Porel has scored 360 runs with 2 fifties and a strike rate of 152.