Delhi Capitals have suffered a major setback just before the beginning of the IPL 2026, as England opener Ben Duckett has withdrawn from the tournament to prioritize England career. It has put the Delhi Capitals team in a tight spot, as the player was supposed to be a key player at the top of the order. The team now has to look for another player who can give good start to the team. It is the second consecutive year that the Delhi Capitals have to deal with the withdrawal of an English player. The team was in trouble after the withdrawal of Harry Brook from the squad during the last season. Opening Combination Takes a Hit Duckett was expected to open the batting alongside KL Rahul this season. His non-availability completely ruins the plan. Pathum Nissanka is currently the back-up player who can replace him. The team will look for an overseas opening player who also has experience in IPL, rather than Pathum Nissanka. The Delhi Capitals need to solve their problem as soon as possible, as the time for the tournament is near. 4 Players who can replace Ben Duckett Jonny Bairstow Jonny Bairstow is an outstanding choice among the best available options. He has a lot of experience in the IPL, and he has also scored over 1,600 runs in the league. He is an aggressive batsman, and he is also a keeper. This is a great advantage for the team. His aggressive batting style in the powerplay is a great asset, and he is an outstanding choice. Bairstow looks like the most like to like replacement for Duckett. Also Read | How Will Shane Warne’s Family Get ₹460 Cr from Rajasthan Royals’ Sale? Devon Conway Devon Conway stands out as another powerful selection. He played a big role in Chennai Super Kings’ title win in 2023. He scored more than 600 runs that season and formed a solid opening pair with Ruturaj Gaikwad. He remains a dependable player despite his current form since he can bat long and finish matches. Jake Fraser-McGurk Jake Fraser-McGurk once served as the future hope for Delhi Capitals. His aggressive batting style can change games quickly. His current performance level has dropped and he now shows poor results. This makes him a risky option. The team should consider him as a possible candidate who can deliver an aggressive performance. Rahmanullah Gurbaz Rahmanullah Gurbaz possesses the ability to hit powerful shots. He can take advantage of the short boundaries at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The team gains an advantage because he works as a wicketkeeper. He struggles to maintain his performance level. He has the potential to become very dangerous when he reaches his peak performance level. Quick Decision Needed Before IPL 2026 The Delhi Capitals team faces an urgent deadline because the upcoming season begins soon. The team needs to select a player who will become a fast team member. The departure of Ben Duckett has created a major void which affects the top batting order. The team needs to choose correctly about their first match selection.