Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk among Delhi Capitals' releases ahead of IPL 2026

Former India batter Aakash Chopra shared his thoughts on Delhi Capitals' (DC) potential releases after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Chopra stated that Delhi need to rethink their squad composition, especially overseas players like Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk.

DC began IPL 2025 on a strong note, securing victories in their first four matches. However, their momentum dropped sharply in the second half of the season, where they managed just three more wins in their final 10 games. The game against SunRisers Hyderabad was washed out due to rain.

Delhi wrapped up their campaign in fifth place on the points table, finishing with 15 points from 14 matches and narrowly missing out on a playoff spot.

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Tata, Bye-Bye to Jake Fraser-McGurk - Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that the Delhi Capitals should consider parting ways with Jake Fraser-McGurk and rethink Faf du Plessis' future with the team ahead of IPL 2026. Chopra also said that the South African batter cannot continue to be the vice-captain.

"If I think from the point of view of what needs to be done next year, say tata, bye-bye to Jake Fraser-McGurk. ₹9 crore gets freed immediately. So you will be able to shop better. Along with that, think about what needs to be done with Faf du Plessis," Chopra said.

"Comes very cheap, he is for ₹2 crore only, but he is not getting younger by the day, and you cannot make him the vice-captain because when you make him the vice-captain, you drop him only when he gets injured, or else you find it difficult to drop him," he added.

Jake Fraser-McGurk struggled during the season, managing just 55 runs in six innings at a disappointing average of 9.17 while opening the batting.

Wondering What You Would Do With Faf du Plessis - Aakash Chopra

Chopra said that Delhi Capitals could consider retaining Faf du Plessis due to his low purchase price of ₹2 crore. He pointed out that Axar Patel's injury made it difficult to drop du Plessis despite his form.

"You might have eventually made up your mind to drop him, but Axar got injured by then. So you couldn't drop him again. So I am wondering what you would do with Faf. You can retain him as well as his price was very low, and let him be a part of the leadership group, but you will have to remove him as a vice-captain," Chopra observed.

Faf du Plessis stepped in as captain for Delhi Capitals’ final two matches when regular skipper Axar Patel was unavailable. Du Plessis underperformed with the bat, scoring only 202 runs in nine innings at a modest strike rate of 123.92.

Mukesh Kumar Is Worth ₹8 Crore - Aakash Chopra on DC’s Other Potential Releases

In the same video, Aakash Chopra said that the Delhi Capitals should consider releasing Mukesh Kumar for next season. Mukesh, who was bought for ₹8 crore, has the highest economy rate among bowlers who have delivered at least 100 balls in the IPL. Chopra expressed surprise at this, given Mukesh’s experience.

Releasing Jake Fraser-McGurk and Mukesh Kumar alone could free up ₹17 crore for the Capitals. If they also decide not to retain Faf du Plessis, another ₹2 crore could be added, totaling ₹19 crore in potential funds.

Chopra further noted that Delhi could gain an additional ₹17 crore by letting go of T. Natarajan and Harry Brook. He also named Dushmantha Chameera as a possible release. The commentator emphasized the team’s need to strengthen their pace bowling and middle-order batting.