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Delhi Capitals - (Source: AFP)
Delhi Capitals started their IPL 2026 campaign on a positive note when they registered a six-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants. Fans were worried before the game, as DC played the fixture without naming a replacement for Ben Duckett.
For the unversed, Ben Duckett pulled out of IPL 2026 at the last minute, citing a commitment to the England national team. However, the Capitals made no official statement regarding the same, nor did they name any replacement. In the past few days, there was speculation that DC might bring in Jake-Fraser McGurk. However, no development followed on that.
Delhi Capitals Lock Australia Star As Ben Duckett Replacement
In the latest development, it seems that the Axar Patel-led side have finally found a replacement for Ben Duckett. Latest visuals from the practice ground confirmed that India-origin Nikhil Chaudhary is in Delhi and is training with the Capitals.
It is a massive hint that Chaudhary has joined the DC camp and might soon be officially announced as Duckett’s replacement. For the unversed, Nikhil was born in Delhi and shifted to Australia to play cricket for Tasmania.
Therefore, the 29-year-old registered for IPL 2026 mini-auction as an overseas star. However, he went unsold, finding no interest from any of the ten teams. If Chaudhary joins the Delhi Capitals officially, then it will be his first IPL stint in his career.
Where Will Nikhil Chaudhary Fit At Delhi Capitals?
As mentioned above, Nikhil Choudhary has never played his IPL. However, he has a fair share of experience playing the BBL. The 29-year-old features for Hobart Hurricanes and talking about 2025-26 season, the all-rounder was on song.
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Notably, Chaudhary scored 307 runs in 11 innings, averaging 30.70. He batted with a strike-rate of 153.50. He batted at No.5. Talking about Delhi Capitals, he they have a solid middle-order, but Chaudhary can take place of David Miller in the team.
Notably, Chaudhary can also bowl and play the finisher role well. So, with Chaudhary's inclusion, the Capitals enhanced their middle-order.
Ben Duckett's Departure A Blessing In Disguise For Delhi Capitals
Ben Duckett will serve a 2 year ban for pulling out of IPL 2026 at the last minute. However, his departure has been a blessing in disguise for Delhi Capitals. Notably, DC have a problem of plenty at the top.
They have KL Rahul, Pathum Nissanka, Prithvi Shaw, Abishek Porel, Sahil Parekh already for the opening slot. Therefore, Ben Duckett's presence would have caused an unnesscary headache. His departure helped DC make up their mind and promoted Pathum to open the innings along side KL Rahul in the opening match.
It is true that KL Rahul and Pathum both failed against LSG, but the Axar Patel-led side are unlikely to make any changes at the top for the match against MI on April 4.
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