SWOT analysis of Delhi Capital: Dehli Capitals failed to qualify for the playoffs even after a strong begin in the IPL 2025 season. In the 19th edition of the IPL, the Axar Patel-led side focusing for a strong comeback. Delhi Capitals (DC) are still focusing to end their title drought. Delhi Capitals made their IPL debut as Delhi Daredevils and have been part of each IPL season so far. In the history of IPL, they have been one of the most underperforming teams and played only one IPL final. Delhi Capitals didn’t back their captain, who took them to the IPL final and in IPL 2021,Shreyas Iyer played under the leadership of Rishabh Pant. Since then, Rishabh Pant hasn’t played for Delhi Capitals. Delhi Capitals handed over the captaincy to Axar Patel following Pant’s exit. In the IPL 2025, Axar-led DC made a solid start and they became the first team to fetch 10 points.
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It seems like DC will get a place in the playoffs in the first half but in the second half, everything went wrong for them and they completed fifth in the points table with 15 points.
Axar Patel will be high on confidence going into IPL 2026 as he is now a T20 World Cup-winning vice-captain. Over the past year, his game has improved leaps and bounds. DC can finally change their fortunes in the IPL 2026 under a more experienced captain. Before the IPL 2026 season, here do their SWOT analysis.
KL Rahul will face the new ball as confirmed by DC. He is one of the best openers in IPL. Presence of Rahul at the top is a big positive for them. Along with Rahul, DC have Nitish Rana, Ben Duckett and Prithvi Shaw at the top.
DC have an all-rounder captain as Axar Patel, who can contribute in all departments of the game. From outside, it looks like DC are among the best teams on paper.
Weaknesses
Starc arrival date is not confirmed, who can terrorise any batting line-up. Cricket Australia has not issued the NOC to him. There is no other experienced pacer who can do the job in pressure situations apart from Starc. It is a cause of worry for DC. The fans have high hopes from Auqib Dar, who joined the DC for Rs 8.40 crore.
Opportunity
For Axar Patel, the IPL 2026 season is an opportunity to excel on the captaincy front and became the next in line to replace Suryakumar Yadav as the next T20I captain. Suryakumar is confirmed to lead India at least till the 2028 T20 World Cup, but if situation demands, selectors can even drop a member of the leadership group. Axar will have to prove his leadership skills in IPL.
For Auqib Dar, the IPL 2026 will be an opportunity to showcase his skills in white-ball cricket as well. In the Ranji Trophy, he topped the wicket-taking charts.
Threats
One of the biggest threats that can have a huge impact on DC is the lack of experience in bowling. Unavailability of Starc is already a big blow to DC. DC also lacks reliable replacements who can deliver consistently.
