Delhi Capitals to release Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk; T Natarajan sparks internal fight

Delhi Capitals (DC) are reportedly set to make changes to their squad ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, which is likely to take place in mid-December. The Delhi-based franchise is set to release overseas batters Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk following their disappointing outings.

The BCCI has set November 15, 2025, as the cutoff for franchises to send in their retention lists. Teams face no restrictions ahead of the mid-December mini-auction. The announcement has triggered a wave of chatter on social media, with fans fueling various unverified rumours about potential player swaps.

Delhi Capitals Failed to Qualify for the Playoffs in IPL 2025

Delhi Capitals started the IPL 2025 season by winning their first four matches and looked well on course to secure a playoff berth. However, their performance dipped dramatically in the latter stages, where they managed only three victories in their final ten fixtures.

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A rain-abandoned encounter against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) further dented their progress, leaving DC just short of the qualification mark. The franchise had a star-studded squad after the 2025 mega auction, including KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, T. Natarajan, Faf du Plessis, and Axar Patel.

However, the team failed to maintain consistency when it mattered most. Delhi finished fifth in the standings with 15 points from 14 games, missing the playoffs by a narrow margin. They will have to fix key loopholes ahead of next year’s tournament.

Delhi Capitals Set to Release Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk After Disappointing Outings

Delhi Capitals’ biggest setback was their unstable opening combination. Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk struggled to provide solid starts throughout the tournament, leaving the team without a dependable foundation at the top.

Fraser-McGurk managed just 55 runs in six innings at an average of only 9.17. Du Plessis, who led the team for the final two games in Axar Patel’s absence, failed to make an impact with the bat. He scored 202 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 123.92.

Du Plessis and Fraser-McGurk are reportedly on the list of players likely to be released ahead of the next season, according to ESPN Cricinfo. The franchise is expected to reassess its opening pair after a disappointing year at the top of the order.

Delhi Capitals Expected to Make a Decision on the Future of T. Natarajan

Delhi Capitals are expected to make a decision on the future of T. Natarajan. If Natarajan and Harry Brook, along with Afghan batter Sediqullah Atal, are released, the franchise could free up nearly ₹17 crore in their purse.

Natarajan was bought for ₹10.75 crore during the mega auction. However, he played just one match in IPL 2025 due to a shoulder injury that sidelined him for much of the season. The team management opted to maintain their existing bowling lineup, leaving him on the bench.

Given his recurring fitness issues and age, Delhi are reconsidering whether the investment is worthwhile. Releasing him could allow them to re-sign the left-arm pacer at a lower price in the next auction.

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