IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan chooses Delhi Capitals’ strong Playing 11, this flop player will open with KL Rahul!

The excitement of IPL 2026 is about to begin and all eyes are on Delhi Capitals this time. Team India’s former veteran fast bowler Irfan Pathan has selected his favorite playing-11 for the Delhi team. Irfan believes that this time both depth and variety are visible in Delhi’s batting. According to him, Delhi will have to take some bold decisions so that the team can become a strong contender for the title this time.

New opening pair of KL Rahul and Prithvi Shaw

While discussing on his YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan said that Delhi has many options for opening, but they should go with KL Rahul and Prithvi Shaw. Regarding Prithvi Shaw, Irfan gave special advice that the team management should completely clear Shaw’s role. If Shaw gets freedom to play freely, he can change the course of the match in the powerplay.

‘Spin master’ and finishers in the middle order

Irfan has chosen Nitish Rana for number 3. His argument is that after two right-handed openers, it is necessary to have a left-hander in the upper order. Also, Rana plays spin very well, which will be beneficial on the slow pitch of Delhi.

Nos. 4 and 5: David Miller and Axar Patel.

Nos. 6 and 7: Tristan Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma.

According to Irfan, Ashutosh Sharma had impressed everyone with his aggressive batting last season and he can play the role of finisher very well.

Bowling attack: Pair of Starc and Kuldeep will wreak havoc

Irfan has tried to strike a balance in the bowling department. He said that if Mitchell Starc is available, he will be the first choice, otherwise Dushmantha Chameera may get a chance. The responsibility of spin will be on the shoulders of Kuldeep Yadav, while in fast bowling, Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan will strengthen the team as impact players.

Delhi Capitals’ probable playing 11 selected by Irfan Pathan

Prithvi Shaw

KL Rahul

Nitish Rana

david miller

Akshar Patel

Tristan Stubbs

Ashutosh Sharma

Vipraj Corporation

Mitchell Starc / Dushmantha Chameera

Kuldeep Yadav

lungi ngidi

Impact Player: T Natarajan