Just days before the start of the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Delhi Capitals face a familiar situation with English player Ben Duckett opting out of the tournament to focus on his England career. This is not the first time the Capitals have dealt with this scenario, as they previously experienced a similar situation with Harry Brook.
Duckett was expected to open the batting alongside KL Rahul for the Capitals, but now Sri Lankan batsman Pathum Nissanka is likely to take his place. In light of Duckett’s withdrawal, here are five overseas openers that the Capitals could consider as his replacement:
1. Jonny Bairstow: Bairstow, who went unsold at the IPL 2026 auction, has a strong track record in the tournament with 1674 runs and two centuries. His experience and ability to keep wickets make him a sensible choice for the Capitals.
2. Devon Conway: The New Zealand batsman had a successful stint with CSK in the past, but his recent form has dipped. However, his past performances make him a viable option for the Capitals.
3. Jake Fraser-McGurk: The Australian opener had a breakthrough season with the Capitals in 2024, but struggled in 2025. Despite this, his potential could make him a valuable addition to the team.
4. Rahmanullah Gurbaz: The Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batsman is known for his destructive batting in T20s and could provide the firepower that the Capitals need at the top of the order.
5. Steve Smith: The experienced Australian player has a strong T20 record and IPL experience, but his current contract with the Sialkot Stallionz may prevent him from joining the Capitals.
Overall, the Capitals have several options to consider as they look to fill the void left by Duckett’s absence. Published on Mar 25, 2026.
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