As IPL 2026 approaches with its opener on March 28, cricket expert Aakash Chopra sees Delhi Capitals as genuine contenders for their first title. Captained by Axar Patel, the side boasts a balanced squad that could dominate if they stick to their strengths.
Despite playing every season since 2008, DC joins only one other team without an IPL crown. In a recent interview, Chopra dissected what separates winners from also-rans. ‘Consistency is king,’ he declared. ‘Look at multiple-title holders or Gujarat Titans’ rapid rise—stability fueled their finals runs.’
Delhi’s resilience shines through: finalists in 2020, steady since 2019 auctions, and WPL women’s team a perennial finalist. ‘Their auction smarts have created a powerhouse unit this year,’ Chopra said. He urged avoiding mid-season tinkering. ‘Elite teams settle their lineup by match two; constant rotations with 22 players lead to bottom-table finishes.’
Reflecting on IPL 2025, DC secured 7 wins from 14 games under Axar, with 6 losses and a washout. A blistering start gave way to inconsistency later. Chopra’s verdict: Maintain the core, and DC could script history in 2026.
