Delhi Capitals to release Shardul Thakur, KS Bharat amongst others ahead of 2023 IPL mini auction

The IPL mini-auction for the 2023 edition is all set to be conducted in few weeks and many franchises have been narrowing down their retentions for the cash-rich tournament next year. It is learnt that the Delhi Capitals are likely to release some of the big names from their squad, including the likes of KS Bharat, Tim Seifert and Shardul Thakur.

Notably, Thakur was bought for a hefty price of INR 10.75 crore by the Delhi-based franchise in the mega auction earlier this year. Thakur picked up 15 wickets in 14 games in the tournament last year but went for 9.79. With the bat, he could amass just 120 runs at an average of 15.00.

The Mumbaikar was expected to be transferred ahead of the auction, however, deals could not be completed for him in time. The 31-year-old holds an important place in the Indian side at the moment and has travelled to Australia as a cover for the fast bowlers in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022. However, he is likely to go into the mini-auction as of Delhi Capitals looking to release him.  

"Shardul is a premium all-rounder but his price tag was an issue. The others who are set to be released are Hebbar, Mandeep, Seifert and Bharat," an IPL source was quoted by TOI.

Meanwhile, Ashwin Hebbar, Mandeep Singh, Tim Seifert and KS Bharat are set to be released by the franchise alongside Thakur. Hebbar did not get a game in the tournament last year while the other batters failed to make noticeable contributions in the few opportunities they had in Delhi Capitals colours. Seifert and Bharat are both wicketkeeper-batters and hence, they will need a backup for Rishabh Pant if they decide to release them.