All IPL teams have been asked to submit a list of released players by November 15 as the auction is likely to be held on December 16 in Bengaluru or Istanbul, Turkey. Delhi Capitals are likely to release all-rounder Shardul Thakur to buy him back for a lower price at the auction.
The Delhi-based franchise bought the Indian cricketer for a massive INR 10.75 crore at the IPL 2022 auction. However, the bet didn’t work out as well as they expected. Thakur, who was brilliant for his previous franchise CSK, managed to score only 120 runs in 14 appearances in his first season with the new franchise.
In addition to that, he picked up 15 wickets but his economy was close to 10, which is too much for a bowler of his caliber. Given all the conditions, according to CricBuzz, the franchise is seriously considering sending the player to the auction to buy his services back at a relatively low price.
Alongside Shardul Thakur, Delhi Capitals are also likely to part ways with wicketkeeper KS Bharat and batter Mandeep Singh ahead of IPL 2023. The two were bought for INR 2 and INR 1.1 crore respectively. But Bharat didn’t find a spot for himself due to the presence of Rishabh Pant in the XI and Mandeep could amass only 18 runs in three games.
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What’s next for Shardul Thakur?
Shardul Thakur is currently with Team India in Australia for the ongoing T20 World Cup. Although he is not in the main squad, he is out there as one of the reserve players. His ability to pick crucial wickets in the game in defining moments and hit boundaries with the bat makes him a useful weapon for any side.
It’s no wonder that if he gets released for the auction, a couple of franchises would be interested in penning his signature. Despite a below-par season and not getting enough chances for the Men in Blue, he remains a valuable player in the white-ball cricket.
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