Delhi Capitals Make Big Moves on Day 1 of IPL 2025 Mega Auction in Jeddah
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), November 25: The Delhi Capitals (DC) turned heads with significant acquisitions on Day 1 of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul and Australian pace ace Mitchell Starc were the highlights of the day, purchased for Rs 14 crore and Rs 11.75 crore, respectively.
The franchise also retained Australian young gun Jake Fraser-McGurk for Rs 9 crore using the Right to Match (RTM) card. England’s dynamic batter Harry Brook joined the squad for Rs 6.25 crore, while experienced Indian players T Natarajan and Karun Nair were acquired for Rs 10.75 crore and Rs 50 lakh, respectively.
Adding depth to their roster, DC secured domestic talents Sameer Rizvi (Rs 95 lakh) and Ashutosh Sharma (Rs 3.80 crore), alongside seasoned pacer Mohit Sharma for Rs 2.20 crore.
Team Strategy and Key Insights
Parth Jindal, Co-owner of the Delhi Capitals, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisitions, emphasizing the need for experience and stability in the batting order.
“We were looking for stability in the top order, someone with experience who can build the innings. KL Rahul, with his consistent IPL record, fits that role perfectly. On the Kotla wicket, he is going to excel. We are thrilled to have him on board,” Jindal stated in a release.
On the bowling front, Jindal hinted at further reinforcements:
“We just went for the best available talent. Tomorrow, we aim to pick a couple more bowlers. With our current lineup, both the batting and bowling departments are shaping up to be strong. It’s going to be a very competitive squad.”
Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the team’s meticulous planning:
“Pretty elated with the buys. We have enough clarity as to how we go about in the auction. We’ve kind of reaped the rewards of being well-strategized and well-planned.”
DC Acquisitions on Day 1:
- Mitchell Starc (Australia) – Bowler – Rs 11.75 crore
- KL Rahul (India) – WK-Batter – Rs 14 crore
- Jake Fraser-McGurk (Australia) – Batter – Rs 9 crore (RTM)
- Harry Brook (England) – Batter – Rs 6.25 crore
- T Natarajan (India) – Bowler – Rs 10.75 crore
- Karun Nair (India) – Batter – Rs 50 lakh
- Sameer Rizvi (India) – Allrounder – Rs 95 lakh
- Ashutosh Sharma (India) – Allrounder – Rs 3.80 crore
- Mohit Sharma (India) – Bowler – Rs 2.20 crore
With a robust lineup emerging, DC looks set to be a formidable force in the upcoming IPL season. Day 2 of the auction is expected to bring more excitement as the franchise finalizes its squad.
