Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has backed Delhi Capitals to retain Karun Nair, Nitish Rana, Dushmantha Chameera, and Abishek Porel ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. The renowned commentator urged the team to release Prithvi Shaw and Auqib Nabi Dar.
Shaw didn’t play a single game in IPL 2026 for DC after he was roped in for INR 75 lakh. Shaw has struggled to establish himself consistently in the IPL in recent seasons. The franchise could therefore look at other options to strengthen its batting department.
Dar, on the other hand, could not impress in the previous season after he was bought for a huge amount of INR 8.40 crore. The fast bowler recently made his ODI debut for India but conceded 84 runs in 8.5 overs he bowled against the West Indies at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
Dar recently replaced injured Prasidh Krishna in the ODI squad for the series against New Zealand. Initially, he was picked for the fourth and fifth ODIs against the Kiwis.
Meanwhile, Karun Nair and Nitish Rana will bring experience to the batting department, while Abishek Porel provides another Indian wicketkeeping option.
Chameera, meanwhile, offers an overseas fast-bowling option. Retaining these players could help Delhi maintain a balanced squad ahead of the mini-auction.
Delhi failed to qualify for the playoffs in the previous season and they would look to bounce back strongly in IPL 2027.
DC has appointed former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly as the new head coach, whereas former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has been named as the batting coach.
