Delhi Capitals (DC) are gearing up for what could be one of their most crucial seasons yet, and the buzz around DC target players in IPL 2026 is already heating up.

Five DC Target Players in IPL 2026

After a mixed IPL 2025 campaign, DC may be looking for a more aggressive approach during the upcoming trade window. The team already boasts big names like Rishabh Pant, Tristan Stubbs, and Axar Patel, but could use a few smart additions to turn them into serious title contenders. Here are five DC trade targets that could make an instant impact.

Shimron Hetmyer

Role: Batsman (West Indies)
Current Team: Rajasthan Royals

If DC are serious about shoring up their middle-order, adding Shimron Hetmyer makes perfect sense. The West Indian batter has been one of the most destructive finishers in T20 cricket over the years. Although he had a quiet IPL 2025 season with RR, he has rediscovered his touch in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025, scoring freely and looking back to his dominant best.

In elite company 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fdXhzPjhWG

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 18, 2025

For DC, Hetmyer could slot right into a middle-order that already features Tristan Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma, providing the finishing punch that can take games away in the last five overs. The Kotla’s shorter boundaries could also play to his strengths, allowing him to unleash his big-hitting abilities. If DC pull this off, Hetmyer could easily become one of the smartest DC trade targets in IPL 2026.

Wiaan Mulder

Role: All-rounder (South Africa)
Current Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad

Wiaan Mulder could be one of the smartest overseas acquisitions for DC this trade window. The South African all-rounder joined SRH as a replacement for the injured Brydon Carse in March 2025, making IPL 2025 his debut season. Though relatively new to the league, Mulder has been a dependable name in T20 leagues worldwide, known for his ability to strike handy cameos and provide steady four-over spells.

Welcome onboard 🧡

The all-rounder from 🇿🇦 is now a RISER 🔥#PlayWithFire pic.twitter.com/we4AfNuExc

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 6, 2025

For DC, Mulder would bring an additional seam-bowling option and lengthen the batting order, something that proved crucial in several tight finishes last season. As an overseas player with both skill and composure, he could become a very handy DC trade target and offer balance in games where DC prefer two foreign batters at the top.

Moeen Ali

Role: All-rounder (England)
Current Team: Kolkata Knight Riders

Moeen Ali might not be a long-term solution, but he could be the experienced all-rounder DC desperately needs. The England star offers a rare mix of batting flexibility and off-spin, something DC currently lacks. He can open the batting, anchor an innings at No.3, or even play the role of a finisher if required.

From England to Eden 🤝 Moeen Ali has touched down! 💜 pic.twitter.com/FTBOJiDyMw

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 12, 2025

His off-spin would add another dimension to DC’s bowling attack, which is currently more reliant on pace and left-arm spin. Plus, the Arun Jaitley Stadium surface often assists spinners, making Moeen a natural fit. Given his ability to swing games with both bat and ball, he stands out as one of the most valuable DC target players in IPL 2026 if they can convince KKR to part ways.

Rasikh Salam

Role: Bowler (India)
Current Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Rasikh Salam may not be a household name yet, but he is a rising star with the ball. The 25-year-old only got limited opportunities in RCB’s title-winning IPL 2025 campaign, but his brief appearances showed glimpses of genuine potential. He previously turned heads with DC in 2024, claiming nine wickets in eight matches and impressing with his variations.

Rasikh’s comin’ in hot. 🥵🔥#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/cVD6w55aCv

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 19, 2025

Bringing Rasikh back could add much-needed balance to the DC pace unit, which currently relies heavily on left-arm seamers. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and at the death makes him a versatile option. As far as DC trade targets go, Rasikh is a low-risk, high-reward pick who could become a key part of their long-term plans.

Rahul Tewatia

Role: Batting all-rounder (India)
Current Team: Gujarat Titans

Another underrated option DC could explore is Rahul Tewatia. Known as one of the league’s most consistent finishers, Tewatia has built a reputation for pulling off impossible chases with calmness and big-hitting prowess. His ability to play the match-winning cameo from No.6 or No.7 makes him a hot commodity in any team’s lower order.

No better day to recall our finisher’s heroics! 🤩🎂 pic.twitter.com/YJvVZ2Rxra

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) May 20, 2025

For DC, Tewatia would bring two key assets: finishing ability and a part-time leg-spin option. His presence could relieve pressure on Stubbs and Ashutosh, while his overs could allow DC more flexibility in team combinations. Among DC target players in IPL 2026, Tewatia could be a silent game-changer who turns close losses into wins.

Wrapping Up

Delhi Capitals have always had the core of a title-winning side, but getting over the line has been their biggest challenge. This trade window offers a golden opportunity to strengthen weak areas and build a balanced squad. If they can land at least two or three of these DC target players in IPL 2026, they will be in a prime position to challenge for the trophy next season, making it a true title-or-nothing campaign.