Ranking DC's 5 best buys in IPL 2025 Auction ft. T Natarajan 

The Delhi Capitals (DC) were one of the most shrewd sides at the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction Table. The franchise assembled a solid side covering all bases during the two-day event in Jeddah on November 24 and 25.

The franchise headed into the auction after releasing their captain Rishabh Pant, among other players, leaving them the monumental task of building a squad to join forces with their small core.

After the 2024 season, the IPL 2020 runners-up retained Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, and the uncapped Abishek Porel. This gave them a relatively solid purse to be dominant at the auction table.

On that note, let us rank DC's 5 best buys in the IPL 2025 Auction.

#5 Ashutosh Sharma

One of the biggest breakout stars of the previous edition, Ashutosh Sharma was in high demand because of his rare ability as a finisher. Franchises find it difficult to find an adequate finisher, often being forced to use up an overseas slot or spend more than necessary to fill the slot, then having to compromise on other areas.

DC had Tristan Stubbs donning the role last season, but it is evident that he has so much to offer, and has to bat a bit higher up the order. As a result, there is a slight gap between the South African and Axar patel, who plays at No.7.

DC managed to rope in an Indian name with loads of potential at a bargain price by roping in Ashutosh Sharma. The uncapped batter was roped in for INR 3.80 crore, and promises to be an exciting acquisition.

#4 Jake Fraser-McGurk

A lot has been said about the young Australian's approach at the top of the order, with reckless and irresponsible being the general consensus. However, the fact is that talents like Jake Fraser-McGurk do not come up often, and certainly not for sale in the IPL.

DC had a precious RTM, which they used on the right candidate after being thwarted by LSG for Rishabh Pant. Fraser-McGurk came in as a replacement player for DC last season, and showcased what he was capable of straightaway. He is arguably one of the posterboys for the modern way of playing T20 cricket too.

DC willing to match the raised counter bid after applying the RTM proved how much faith they have in him.

#3 T Natarajan

Death bowling was one of the areas that DC needed to address in the 2025 Auction. They have made an effort to rope in as many specialists as possible, with T Natarajan being the prime candidate to lead the charge for the franchise in the end.

Given the lack of proven death bowlers, and the high demand for them, DC arguably had to overpay, but it was a necessary signing, and one that will help them in more ways than one.

The left-arm pacer's knack for bowling yorkers on a consistent basis, and his ability to bowl away from the batters' hitting arc, makes him a vital cog in DC's bowling setup.

#2 Mitchell Starc

DC executed a coup and a half when they managed to bag Mitchell Starc for less than half of his previous price. There was no way that the veteran seamer would fetch his record sum again, but DC securing his services for INR 11.75 was unexpected.

The franchise have lacked a proper pace bowling spearhead over the entire previous cycle. Anrich Nortje's injuries, and Khaleel Ahmed's and Mukesh Kumar's inexperience left them without a heavy headline presence. However, Starc proves to be the right candidate to take up that particular role.

An unparalleled record with the new ball, reliable at the death, and his big-match ability makes him a brilliant signing that fits perfectly for DC.

#1 KL Rahul

KL Rahul was fit into the mold of Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant in the marquee set, and was billed to be one of the most expensive signings of the auction. However, DC pulled off a heist by roping him in for INR 14 crore, while the other pair went for sums well over the INR 25 crore mark.

In KL Rahul, DC avail a wicket-keeping option, a captaincy candidate, and a proven opener at the top of the order. Strike rate can afford to take a back seat now as DC have explosive players slotted across all phases of their batting order.

What DC have needed of late, more than the strike rate at the top, is a bit of solidity. In the previous cycle, they have used Warner, Shaw, Porel, Marsh, Sarfaraz, and more, but it has not worked out well, they have lacked the required consistency, ultimately leading in the dreaded chopping and changing.

A solid presence, and a bonafide run-scorer like KL Rahul at the top is assuring for DC.