Why Delhi Capitals Won’t Let KL Rahul Go
As IPL franchises begin plotting their strategies for the 2026 season, one name is non-negotiable in the Delhi Capitals’ war room: KL Rahul. According to former India star Suresh Raina, the franchise has zero intention of parting ways with their star batter. “KL Rahul got a good price. I don’t think he will leave Delhi Capitals,” Raina stated confidently during a recent analysis segment . This sentiment isn’t just fanfare—it’s a strategic necessity. With the Delhi Capitals won’t let KL Rahul go stance solidifying, let’s unpack why retaining him is mission-critical for DC’s title ambitions.
Table of Contents
- KL Rahul: The Cornerstone of DC’s Rebuild
- Why Delhi Capitals Won’t Let KL Rahul Go
- Suresh Raina’s Insight Into Rahul’s Value
- IPL 2026 Retention Scenarios & Salary Cap
- How Other Teams Are Planning Their 2026 Squads
- Conclusion: Rahul Is DC’s Irreplaceable Asset
- Sources
KL Rahul: The Cornerstone of DC’s Rebuild
Since joining Delhi Capitals, KL Rahul has done more than just score runs—he’s provided much-needed stability at the top of the order. In a franchise that has often struggled with inconsistent openers, Rahul’s ability to anchor the innings while rotating strike and accelerating when needed makes him invaluable.
During IPL 2025, he averaged 42.60 as an opener with a strike rate of 135+, often carrying the batting unit through tricky powerplay phases . More importantly, his leadership experience as a former national vice-captain brings calmness to a relatively young DC squad—a trait that’s hard to quantify but impossible to ignore.
Why Delhi Capitals Won’t Let KL Rahul Go
The decision to retain KL Rahul isn’t emotional—it’s deeply strategic. Here’s why:
- Batting Anchor: DC’s middle order has been volatile. Rahul’s presence ensures the top order doesn’t collapse before the finishers get a chance.
- Wicketkeeper Flexibility: As a capable wicketkeeper, he gives DC tactical flexibility, allowing them to play an extra all-rounder or specialist batter.
- Brand Value: Rahul is one of the most marketable players in the IPL, drawing viewership and sponsorship interest.
- Leadership Void: With Rishabh Pant still managing his comeback, Rahul remains the most experienced leader in the batting unit [[INTERNAL_LINK:delhi-capitals-leadership-crisis]].
Losing him would force DC into a high-risk auction gamble—something they simply can’t afford if they’re serious about lifting their first IPL trophy.
Suresh Raina’s Insight Into Rahul’s Value
Suresh Raina, a two-time IPL champion with Chennai Super Kings, knows a thing or two about franchise loyalty and player valuation. His comment that “KL Rahul got a good price” likely refers to the ₹17 crore annual contract DC secured him for in 2025—a figure that, given his consistency and leadership, is now seen as a bargain .
“In today’s auction climate, a batter of his caliber would easily fetch ₹20 crore or more,” Raina added. “Delhi Capitals got him at a smart valuation, and they know it. Why would they let go of that asset?”
IPL 2026 Retention Scenarios & Salary Cap
Under the current BCCI guidelines, teams can retain up to six players before the auction, with the first retention costing ₹16 crore, the second ₹12 crore, and so on. Given that, Delhi Capitals are expected to lock in:
- KL Rahul (Priority #1 – likely retained at ₹16 crore)
- Rishabh Pant (Emotional & strategic pick)
- Prithvi Shaw or Abhishek Porel (Local talent retention)
- Mukesh Kumar (Lead Indian pacer)
- An overseas star like Jake Fraser-McGurk or Travis Head
- A utility all-rounder (e.g., Axar Patel if not already retained)
Even with a tight ₹120 crore salary cap, Rahul’s retention is financially feasible—and non-negotiable.
How Other Teams Are Planning Their 2026 Squads
While DC focuses on stability, other franchises face tougher calls:
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Must decide on expensive overseas stars like Liam Livingstone, whose inconsistent 2025 season puts his retention in doubt .
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: Needs to fix a brittle middle order and inconsistent death bowling—likely targeting power-hitters and death specialists in the auction .
- Chennai Super Kings: Expected to retain core veterans but may phase out aging pace bowlers to bring in fresh legs.
In this volatile landscape, Delhi Capitals’ clarity around KL Rahul gives them a rare strategic edge.
Conclusion: Rahul Is DC’s Irreplaceable Asset
The phrase “Delhi Capitals won’t let KL Rahul go” isn’t just speculation—it’s a reflection of cold, hard cricket logic. In an era where anchor batters who can also keep wickets are rarer than ever, Rahul is the glue holding DC’s ambitions together. As Suresh Raina rightly points out, they secured him at a “good price,” and now, they’re smart enough to hold on tight. For Delhi fans dreaming of an IPL trophy, KL Rahul isn’t just a player—he’s the foundation.