IPL 2023: Players Delhi Capitals can release ahead of IPL auction


image-laf4y50mWarner and Pant [Source: IPLT20.COM]

Delhi Capitals had a mixed 2022 Indian Premier League season. They played well in bits and pieces, but eventually fell short of a place in the knockout stage. The Rishabh Pant led side won 7 games and lost equal number of matches and as a result finished 5th on the points table.

But a new season awaits them. New season, new opportunity and a chance to create a world-beating side. The IPL mini auction takes place in Kochi on December 23, and the franchises have to give the list of their retained players by November 15. 

The core of Delhi Capitals is almost set, but they still need to tweak a thing or two if they are to win the IPL title for the first time. So let us analyse the players DC could release ahead of the deadline day.

Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur is a curious case for the Capitals. Often known as 'Lord' Shardul has failed to live up to the expectations when the Capitals purchased him for Chennai Super Kings for INR 10.75 crore. 

There was a lot of buzz surrounding Shardul when DC purchased him, but the wily all-rounder has not anything worthy for the Delhi side. If we go by stats (which is generally deceptive), Shardul has leaked runs for fun. Despite taking 15 wickets in 14 games, he bowled at an expensive economy of 9.79. With the bat, he scored just 120 runs, at an average of just 15.

As per the rumours, DC are contemplating of releasing Shardul, so don't be surprised if he Palgarh express is no longer with the squad ahead of the next IPL season.

Mandeep Singh

When Mandeep Singh first bursted onto the scene, there was a lot of potential that the dynamic batter had, but with time, that potential faded. The Punjab batter was used sporadically and never really cemented his place in the DC XI.

He played just 3 games in entire season and scored a mere 18 runs. Remember last season DC suffered from injuries and covid? Tim Seifert suffered from covid, David Warner didn't play at the start of the season, and yet the Capitals never trusted Mandeep Singh. 

Yes, he has done well for Punjab in recent times, but IPL is a different ball game altogether and DC won't think twice before releasing him.

Tim Seifert

Arguably one of the most talented players in that Capitals squad, Tim Seifert could find himself without a franchise, come 15th November. Just like Mandeep Singh he never really got a chance to establish himself in that dynamic DC batting lineup. 

The New Zealander played just 2 games in the entire season, and slammed just 24 runs, at an average of 12. Yes, the sample size is too small to justify his exclusion, but if a talented player like him can't get a place in the playing XI, there is no point of keeping him in the squad (unless you have a plan for him).

KS Bharat

The last player on this list is wicket-keeper batter Srikar Bharat. Be it Royal Challengers Bangalore, or the Delhi Capitals, KS Bharat never really cemented a permanent place in the side (and that we'll never know why).

Bought for INR 2 crore, Bharat played just 2 games and scored just 8 runs, at an average of 4. Still baffles me as to why DC purchased him. You spend so much money on a player and give him just two matches to justify his talent. 

As much as I want KS Bharat to succeed with DC, the chances of that happening are low. So it's better if the Capitals release him and spend that money elsewhere.

So a complete list of players that DC could release

  • Shardul Thakur (INR 10.75 cr)
  • Mandeep Singh (INR 1.10 cr)
  • Tim Seifert (INR 50 L)
  • KS Bharat (INR 2.0 cr)

Also Read: IPL 2023: Players the Mumbai Indians can release before the auction