Axar Patel. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

It’s not for nothing that the Delhi Capitals (DC) have been categorized as perennial underachievers when it comes to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over the past so many years, their performances have been subpar to say the least. 

Despite landing a spot in the playoffs on six occasions, DC have only managed to get to the final once; in 2020, only to help Mumbai Indians (MI) lift their fifth title. Ever since the only edition which was played behind closed doors, it’s been three years of failing to land a top-four finish. 

Equipped with a balanced squad for the past many years coupled with an experienced backend system, DC have failed to make it big on quite a few occasions.

The IPL committee is yet to finalize the number of retentions which franchises will be allowed to make, as well as the utilization of the Right To Match (RTM) cards.

Here are three players who are most likely to be retained by PBKS:

3. Anrich Nortje

The Proteas speedster made his debut in the IPL in its 2020 edition, and has been with the franchise ever since. The last three seasons have seen Nortje not getting backed a lot. He can be expensive on some occasions, but his constant wicket-taking ability makes up for it. 

His first couple of seasons with DC were the best for him in terms of his wickets tally and economy rate, respectively. The management will be hoping for the pacer to take notes from his first couple of seasons and for him to bring all of his T20 expertise to his fore in the 18th edition of the IPL.

With quite a few franchises possessing at least one bowler who can consistently bowl above the 145-kph mark, it would all the more sense to retain Nortje from getting released.

 2. Axar Patel

The swashbuckling all-rounder has been a revelation ever since he was acquired by DC ahead of the 2019 season. Not only has he contributed with meaningful overs, but it has also been seen on many instances with Axar being boosted up the order.

The 2024 edition brought out his best score in the IPL up until now, as he notched up a smashing 66 against the Gujarat Titans. That innings in particular, proved to one and all on how he could effectively be utilized as a floater, an attribute of Axar which India made use of during their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign as well.

Apart from being a miserly bowler on most instances, it’s been Axar’s characteristic ability of being a live wire on the field which has been equally impressive. Over the years, he has hung on to quite a few screamers.

1. Rishabh Pant

The Indian wicketkeeper-batter has stuck around with the franchise since 2016. Pant had an IPL 2018 to remember as he scored 684 runs, his highest in a season up until now. His attacking prowess with the bat is known to all.

Pant has almost always been consistent in terms of run-scoring in each IPL season. He has breached the 400-run mark on almost all occasions, proving testament to the fact about him being more than capable of being a reliable run-scorer.

The 2024 edition was truly a special season for Pant, as it was his first one after 2022 after being injured in a near-fatal road accident. His steely resolve while captaining the side in terms of being able to handle the pressure well many a times places him to be amongst the list DC would want to retain for IPL 2025.