Delhi Capitals (DC) are looking to release their marquee player Shardul Thakur and put him back into the auction pool ahead of the bidding event for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, along with Shardul, the Capitals are deliberating over the release of Mandeep Singh and KS Bharat as well.
“It is reported that Thakur could be released by the Delhi franchise which may try to buy him back for a lesser price. Along with Thakur, wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat and batter Mandeep Singh may also be released. The two were bought for Rs 2 crore and Rs 1.10 core respectively at the last auction,” a BCCI official close to the development was quoted as saying.
“With skipper Rishabh Pant keeping the wickets, Andhra’s Bharat, who is considered one of the best’ keepers in the country, could not find a spot in the playing XI. Meanwhile, Mandeep, with only 18 runs in three games, may not have given his chances a great favour,” he added.
Shardul was DC’s most expensive buy at the mega-auction earlier this year. The franchise had to partake in an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) to acquire his services. However, he could not perform as per the team’s expectations, picking up 15 wickets in 14 matches at a dreadful economy of 9.79. With the bat, the 31-year-old scored only 120 runs at an average of 15.
Unlike the previous auction, which spanned two days, it will be a one-day affair this time. All the ten IPL franchises have been informed to submit their list of retained players by November 15. Also, the salary cap is set to be increased from INR 90 crore to INR 95 crore for the 2023 mini-auction.
