Pathum Nissanka Joins Delhi Capitals for ₹4 Crore at IPL 2026 Auction

The IPL 2026 auction saw the Delhi Capitals enhancing their top-order options by acquiring the Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka at ₹4 crore. The high composure and the tested technique of Nissanka provide Delhi with a mix of stability and flexibility in their batting configuration.

The past few years have seen Nissanka emerge as one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable players in the white-ball cricket format. He is the first Sri Lankan to have an ODI double century and, besides that, he has scored hundreds in all formats. His skills as a 'player' in T20 cricket are such that he can alternate between being an anchor and an aggressor which makes him helpful, especially during the powerplay times.

Over both franchises and international T20 matches, Nissanka has been the one to deliver solid starts regularly by effortlessly rotating the strike and hitting the right boundaries at the right times. His poor record against pace bowlers, along with his improving performance against spinners, is just what IPL conditions would require. Signing for the Delhi Capitals is a great move as it not only gives the team an upper management layer but also provides a reliable player who can stay at the crease till the end, when needed.

Nissanka, who came at a cost of ₹4 crore, is a well-balanced investment—he brings with him the international experience, good temperament, and the ability to quickly adapt to the Indian pitches—all of which are needed as Delhi try to form a strong squad for IPL 2026.