Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani elated with KL Rahul and Mitchell Starc signing in IPL 2025 Mega Auction

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Delhi Capitals made waves in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction's opening session with two blockbuster acquisitions.

Australia's Mitchell Starc and India's KL Rahul joined the team for ₹11.75 crore and ₹14 crore, respectively, adding significant firepower to the squad as they aim for a competitive season.

Reflecting on these high-profile purchases, Delhi Capitals Head Coach Hemang Badani expressed satisfaction, while maintaining a practical outlook on the road ahead.

"I'm pretty elated with the buys. Both KL and Starc are world-class players. In fact, they're battling each other right now in India versus Australia, so it's pretty interesting," Badani said.

The Capitals head coach, however, acknowledged that the team's job is far from complete. "For me, at the moment, this is the best buy of the auction. But having said this, there's work to do," he added, highlighting the importance of building a well-rounded squad.

Delhi Capitals with Starc and KL Rahul - Two Marquee Buys

Mitchell Starc, snapped up for ₹11.75 crore, brings extensive experience and recent IPL success to Delhi. The left-arm pacer, instrumental in Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2024 title victory, has a stellar record of 193 wickets in 142 T20 matches. Known for his lethal pace and precision, Starc's presence will undoubtedly boost the Capitals' bowling attack.

KL Rahul, acquired for ₹14 crore, is among the IPL's most dependable batters and a proven run-machine. With 7,586 runs in 226 T20 games-including 65 half-centuries and six hundreds-Rahul's consistency speaks volumes. Having previously claimed the IPL 2020 Orange Cap, he is expected to anchor the Capitals' batting lineup and bring stability to the middle order.

Speaking about the team's auction strategy, Badani noted, "The energy has been spot-on. We've been patient, disciplined, and careful about our spends, sticking to the numbers we had in mind. There's been enough clarity in our approach, and so far, we've reaped the rewards of being well-strategized and well-planned."