The mega auction for IPL 2025 is knocking on the door and all the teams have announced their retention list for the auction. Delhi Capitals have retained only four players, focusing on making a new core team for the upcoming season.

DC released many big names, including the Australian star batter David Warner. The Australian joined Delhi Capitals in 2022 for a price of Rs. 6.25 crores and played 34 matches for the franchise. In the first two seasons, Warner scored 432 runs and 516 runs for the franchise. In IPL 2023, he led the Capitals. However, despite his amazing batting display, DC finished bottom of the points table. In the last season, due to a finger injury, the left-handed batter played only eight matches, scoring 168 runs.

David Warner has a remarkable IPL career and he is known for his explosive batting, consistency and leadership quality. Since debuting in 2009 with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Warner has been a powerhouse opener, known for quick starts and powerful strokes. He is one of the top all-time IPL run-scorers, amassing 6565 runs in 184 matches, with an average above 40 and a strike rate over 140. The 38-year-old batter won the Orange Cap three times and led Sunrisers Hyderabad to their maiden title in 2016.

IPL 2025 Auction: Four Teams Who Can Target David Warner

Here are some IPL teams that might target David Warner in the 2025 auction and why they would be interested:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB need an explosive top-order batter to pair with Virat Kohli, and Warner’s aggressive batting also suits RCB's batting-heavy approach. Other than that, Warner’s experience and leadership quality also will be a much-needed necessity for the franchise.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Despite maintaining the core team, KKR had to release Phil Salt, who had been crucial for them in the last IPL. Hence, KKR needs an aggressive opener. After releasing Shreyas Iyer KKR will also be looking for a captain, and they have limited purse strength; Warner could be the perfect choice.

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

After a major squad overhaul, PBKS could benefit from Warner’s consistent and explosive batting at the top. Like the above-mentioned teams, PBKS will also need a leader, but more than that, currently, they do not have any experienced players. The inclusion of Warner will add the required stability at the top.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

LSG have maintained their core bowling line-up for the next IPL but they released most of their batters except Nicholas Pooran. The release of KL Rahul has also made a void in their batting line-up. The inclusion of an experienced batter like David Warner will certainly help the franchise to organise their new core batting order, and his leading ability will also come in handy.