KL Rahul was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 14 crore on Day 1 of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. DC owner has hinted a captaincy role for him.
Team India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul and ace Australian pacer Mitchell Starc headlined the buys for the JSW and GMR co-owned Delhi Capitals on Day One of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday. While Rahul and Starc were acquired for Rs 14 crore and Rs 11.75 crore respectively, Aussie youngster Jake Fraser-McGurk was retained for Rs 9 crore using the ‘Right to Match’ card.
It was a straight swap between Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals ultimately as DC’s Rishabh Pant went to LSG for a whopping Rs 27 crore while former Lucknow skipper Rahul comes to Delhi. There is now every possibility that DC might appoint Rahul as their new skipper.
The Karnataka batter has the experience of leading Punjab Kings as well as the LSG team in the Indian Premier League. Speaking about the buys of the day, Parth Jindal, Co-owner, Delhi Capitals, said, “We were looking for stability in the top order, someone with experience who can build the innings. And, I think KL Rahul, given his record in the IPL, he’s someone who’s consistently given more than 400 runs every season. I think with the Kotla wicket, it is going to suit his game. We’re very excited to have him.
“We have a very young batting lineup. Both KL and Axar are going to lead them and are going to guide them. KL’s batting and experience will be a vital cog in the wheel,” he further explained.
Englishman Harry Brook was snapped up for Rs 6.25 crore, while Indian players T. Natarajan and Karun Nair were acquired for Rs 10.75 crore and Rs 50 lakh, respectively, in the latter half of the day.
Delhi Capitals also acquired the services of domestic players Sameer Rizvi (Rs 95 lakh) and Ashutosh Sharma (Rs 3.80 crore) respectively along with experienced pacer Mohit Sharma (Rs 2.20 crore).
Speaking about the bowling unit and key focus for Monday, Jindal said, “We just went for the best available talent. We’re looking for a couple more bowlers tomorrow. I think the bowling attack will be very strong. Batting is also strong. Overall, it’s going to be a very competitive squad.”
Delhi Capitals Head Coach Hemang Badani added, “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-strategised and well-planned.”
Positive ✅ or Negative? ❌#KLRahul‘s move to #DelhiCapitals has everyone talking! 👀 Here’s how the fans reacted!
📺 #IPLAuctionOnJioStar 👉 LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network & JioCinema! pic.twitter.com/gi8GorYUxr
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 24, 2024
Players acquired by Delhi Capitals on Day 1 of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction
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) – All-rounder-Rs 95 lakh
Ashutosh Sharma (India) – Allrounder – Rs 3.80 crore
Mohit Sharma (India) – Bowler – Rs 2.20 crore
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