Delhi Capitals. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

The Delhi Capitals (DC), formerly known as the Delhi Daredevils, have been part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008. Over the years, the franchise has seen several highs and lows, with its best finish coming in IPL 2020, where they ended as runners-up to Mumbai Indians. Delhi have reached the playoffs five times, while on other occasions they have fallen short in the group stages.

The franchise is co-owned by GMR Group and JSW Sports.

In IPL 2025, DC were captained by Axar Patel and coached by Hemang Badani. Over the years, the Delhi-based side has featured several star names, including Virender Sehwag (their first icon player), Gautam Gambhir, Dinesh Karthik, and Mahela Jayawardene, who were all part of the squad during its early seasons.

Although DC have not yet managed to clinch the coveted IPL trophy, they have consistently shown glimpses of brilliance throughout various campaigns. Their bold decisions at the auction table have often made headlines, with the franchise investing heavily in promising domestic talents and marquee overseas players.

As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches, Delhi Capitals will be keen to assemble a balanced and formidable squad capable of finally ending their long wait for a maiden IPL title.

Here is the complete table of Delhi Capitals' most expensive players in each IPL auction season

Year	Players	Price (in INR)
2008	Gautam Gambhir	2.9 crore
2009	Andrew McDonald	3.67 crore
2010	Dirk Nannes	3.92 crore
2011	Irfan Pathan	8.74 crore
2012	Mahela Jayawardene	11.76 crore
2013	Johan Botha	4.5 crore
2014	Dinesh Karthik	12.5 crore
2015	Yuvraj Singh	16 crore
2016	Pawan Negi	8.5 crore
2017	Kagiso Rabada	5 crore
2018	Glenn Maxwell	9 crore
2019	Colin Ingram	6.4 crore
2020	Shimron Hetmyer	7.75 crore
2021	Tom Curran	5.25 crore
2022	David Warner	6.25 crore
2023	Mukesh Kumar	5.5 crore
2024	Kumar Kushagra	7.2 crore
2025	KL Rahul	14 crore

Note:

• The above table lists only those highest-paid players picked in the auction, excluding those retained, traded, or part of the icon players from the 2008 to 2010 seasons.
• IPL auctions from 2008 to 2013 were conducted in USD; hence, the prices have been converted to INR based on the average USD to INR conversion rate of the respective year.