Published By: Sanchari Das

IPL Auction 2025: Five Potential Game Changers Delhi Capitals Might Snap Up

With the auction approaching, Delhi Capitals have big decisions to make

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is set to be held on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With franchises gearing up for the big event, Delhi Capitals (DC) have some serious strategising to do. They have retained four key players: Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, uncapped Abishek Porel, and Tristan Stubbs. However, their captain, Rishabh Pant, is notably absent from the retained list. This indicates the need for a new leader and several strategic acquisitions. 

Ahead of the IPL auction, take a look at five players DC may eye at the auction.

Trent Boult

Trent Boult has been one of the most consistent bowlers in the IPL since 2020. The left-arm pacer from New Zealand previously played for Delhi Capitals in 2018 and 2019 before being traded to Mumbai Indians. Boult's ability to swing the ball and take wickets in the powerplay makes him an attractive option for DC, who have a substantial budget to spend. He has bagged 121 wickets in 104 IPL matches, showcasing his skills as a strike bowler. DC might look to bring him back with a bid, possibly under INR 15 Crore.

Jos Buttler

With the need for a new captain, Delhi Capitals could target Jos Buttler, one of the most explosive wicketkeeper-batters in the tournament. Buttler, who was released by Rajasthan Royals, brings not only his destructive batting but also reliable wicketkeeping skills. In the previous IPL season, he scored 359 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 140.78. His aggressive approach at the top of the order can provide the team with strong starts, making him a valuable asset both as a player and a potential leader.

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer's name is expected to come up in several teams' plans during the auction. He previously captained Delhi Capitals from 2015 to 2021 and led the team to the finals in 2020. Despite his successful stint with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he guided them to a title win in IPL 2024, Iyer was surprisingly released. With 3,127 runs in 116 matches, he is among the few players leading two teams to the IPL finals. His leadership experience and batting consistency make him a prime target for DC's captaincy role.

Venkatesh Iyer

Delhi Capitals might consider going after Venkatesh Iyer, who was released by Kolkata Knight Riders. The versatile all-rounder was impressed with his performance in the last IPL season, scoring 370 runs in 13 matches at an average of 46.25. Iyer's ability to contribute with both bat and ball offers Delhi much-needed flexibility. He can be used as a middle-order anchor or as a floater in the batting lineup while also providing a few overs with the ball. His skill set would give DC an added edge in building a balanced squad.

Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel was the highest wicket-taker in the previous IPL season, clinching 24 wickets in just 14 matches. Despite his stellar performance, Punjab Kings chose not to retain him, making him one of the most valuable bowlers available in the auction. Delhi Capitals may see an opportunity here to strengthen their bowling attack by acquiring the experienced pacer. Known for his variations and death bowling expertise, Harshal could be a key addition to DC's lineup, particularly in the past slogovers where they have struggled.