The Team
Delhi Capitals had a below-par season in 2024, failing to make a significant impact, finishing sixth in the points table and missing the playoffs. Ahead of the 2025 mega auction, the franchise has retained Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs and Abhishek Porel. The most notable decision by the franchise was the release of Rishabh Pant, their former captain and key player. While Pant’s departure came as a shock to fans, owner Parth Jindal has expressed interest in going after Pant.
Auction Purse and Strategy
DC has a purse of INR 73 cr left along with two RTM cards. With their purse, they have some flexibility but also pressing needs. Their retentions have already cost them 43.75 crore. The franchise has to make some crucial purchases, including a new captain. They need to focus on building a competitive and balanced squad and must allocate their funds strategically.
Key Areas to Strengthen
While DC’s spin attack already has a solid foundation with the retention of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, their pace attack is seriously understocked. Strengthening their pace bowling lineup should be a priority. Additionally, they also need quality all-rounders and power hitters in the team.
Players they would like to target
Delhi Capitals could potentially target Shreyas Iyer as their next captain. Iyer has a proven track record as a captain, leading KKR to an IPL title last season but he hasn’t been as solid with the bat. An aggressive top order batter like Phil Salt could bolster their batting and inject the energy they need at the start of the innings. Jos Buttler is another tempting contender to strengthen their batting. When it comes to all-rounders, names like Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis stand out and could be key acquisitions; the two Australians, if acquired, will add depth to the team with both bat and ball.
Players they would like to buy back
As Parth Jindal mentioned, DC will undoubtedly want to make an aggressive bid to reclaim Pant, the only problem will be the budget as it is guaranteed that the ‘keeper-bat will make headlines at the auction. DC can use their RTM cards to retain players like Khaleel Ahmed, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mukesh Kumar, Anrich Nortje, Mitchell Marsh or even Harry Brook, although it will depend on auction dynamics. The players mentioned have been integral in past campaigns.
As DC prepare for the mega auction, their focus will be on assembling a cohesive squad capable of reclaiming their status as IPL title contenders. Their decisions in the auction room could shape the franchise’s future.