DPL 2026: South Delhi Superstarz win title; Dabas hails Dahiya's leadership
Synopsis
South Delhi Superstarz chased down 183 in 18.2 overs to lift the DPL 2026 title, with Ankit Dabas's unbeaten 61 off 33 balls sealing a seven-wicket win. The Player of the Match credited IPL-experienced captain Tejasvi Dahiya and young pacer Anshuman Hooda as the two defining forces behind the title run — a signal of how state T20 leagues are fast becoming India's next big cricketing pipeline.
Key Takeaways
South Delhi Superstarz won the DPL 2026 title, defeating Central Delhi Kings by seven wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on 31 August .
Ankit Dabas scored an unbeaten 61 off 33 balls and was named Player of the Match .
Anmol Sharma contributed a fluent 64 off 42 balls to anchor the chase of 183 , completed in 18.2 overs .
Captain Tejasvi Dahiya was credited with sharp tactical decisions; his IPL 2026 experience with KKR was cited as a key factor.
Young pacer Anshuman Hooda was singled out as a standout contributor throughout the season.
Batting all-rounder Ankit Dabas claimed the Player of the Match award as South Delhi Superstarz clinched the 2026 Delhi Premier League (DPL) title with a seven-wicket victory over Central Delhi Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on 31 August. Dabas credited the triumph to collective team effort, the rise of young talent, and the exceptional captaincy of Tejasvi Dahiya.
How the Chase Unfolded
Chasing a target of 183, South Delhi Superstarz completed the chase in 18.2 overs. Anmol Sharma laid the foundation with a fluent 64 off 42 balls, before Dabas took over with an unbeaten 61 off 33 balls. Dahiya contributed a rapid 33 off 18 balls, and Ekansh Dobal sealed the championship with a six, sending the South Delhi camp into celebrations.
Dabas on His Match-Winning Knock
'When I went in to bat, my priority was assessing what the team required. If an early wicket falls, my job is to provide stability and keep one end secure. But once I realised how good the pitch was and saw scoring opportunities, I shifted gears and played my shots. I was confident we could pull off the win,' said Dabas at the conclusion of the tournament.
Dahiya's IPL Experience Made the Difference
Dabas was particularly effusive about skipper Dahiya, noting that his stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2026 had a tangible impact on the team's composure under pressure. 'Tejasvi led the side exceptionally well. His bowling rotations and tactical changes at key moments were spot on. Having played in the IPL last year, he brought invaluable experience and maturity into our dressing room. Even when conditions turned tricky and the ball started spinning, he finished the game in a flash. He is truly one of the best in this league,' Dabas said.
Young Guns Shine; State Leagues Earn Their Stripes
Dabas also highlighted pacer Anshuman Hooda as a standout performer throughout the season. 'I am thrilled with how our youngsters stepped up. We backed each other completely throughout the season. Anshuman Hooda, for instance, has been fantastic — he is one of the fastest and finest bowlers in our setup and made crucial contributions to this title,' he said.
Dabas used the occasion to underline the growing importance of state T20 competitions in India's cricketing ecosystem. 'State leagues are creating healthy competition in Indian cricket. They all feed into the same national pathway. People often call these state leagues the 'second IPL,' which shows their growing stature and importance,' he added. The DPL title win reinforces South Delhi Superstarz's status as a dominant force in the capital's T20 circuit, and eyes will now turn to which of their youngsters earn wider recognition on the national stage.
Point of View
Which is precisely the feedback loop these leagues are supposed to create. The emergence of Anshuman Hooda is the kind of output selectors should be tracking. If state leagues keep producing match-ready talent at this rate, the perennial debate about India's T20 depth answers itself.
NationPress
31 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Delhi Premier League 2026 title?
South Delhi Superstarz won the DPL 2026 title, beating Central Delhi Kings by seven wickets in the final at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on 31 August. They chased down a target of 183 in 18.2 overs.
Who was the Player of the Match in the DPL 2026 final?
Ankit Dabas was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 61 off 33 balls that helped South Delhi Superstarz seal the chase. He also praised the team's collective effort and captain Tejasvi Dahiya's leadership.
How did South Delhi Superstarz win the DPL 2026 final?
Chasing 183, Anmol Sharma scored 64 off 42 balls to lay the platform, before Ankit Dabas's unbeaten 61 off 33 and Tejasvi Dahiya's 33 off 18 accelerated the chase. Ekansh Dobal hit the winning six to complete the win in 18.2 overs.
What role did Tejasvi Dahiya play in South Delhi's DPL 2026 win?
Tejasvi Dahiya captained South Delhi Superstarz throughout the tournament and contributed 33 off 18 balls in the final. His IPL 2026 experience with Kolkata Knight Riders was credited by Ankit Dabas as a key factor in the team's composure and tactical sharpness.
Why are state T20 leagues like the DPL important for Indian cricket?
According to Ankit Dabas, state leagues create healthy competition and serve as a direct pipeline into India's national cricketing pathway. He noted that they are increasingly referred to as the 'second IPL,' reflecting their growing stature and role in developing match-ready talent.
