“Targets Clear”: Delhi Capitals CEO On Auction Strategy and Squad Strengthening

Delhi Capitals CEO Sunil Gupta has expressed confidence ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction, stating that the franchise is "clear about our targets" as it aims to build a competitive squad with a remaining purse of ₹21.80 crore and eight slots to fill, including five overseas positions. The JSW and GMR co-owned team, which narrowly missed the playoffs last season, has retained a core group of players and recently acquired experienced left-hander Nitish Rana in a trade with Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Donovan Ferreira.

Gupta highlighted the learnings from the previous campaign, describing the retained players as a "strong set" fully focused on achieving the franchise's objectives. He praised Rana as a "seasoned IPL campaigner" and a "natural fit," noting his familiarity with Delhi conditions as a local player and his proven contributions in key roles for previous teams. "Our boy is truly home," Gupta said, welcoming Rana to the Capitals family.

The franchise's scouting team has been preparing extensively for the auction, with Gupta emphasizing a balanced approach: aggressive bidding where necessary while maintaining flexibility in the dynamic environment. Delhi Capitals arrived in Abu Dhabi with detailed plans to address squad requirements, aiming to complement their retained core and new addition Rana effectively.

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Established in 2008 as the Delhi Daredevils before rebranding in 2019, the Delhi Capitals reached their maiden IPL final in 2020. The franchise also fields a team in the Women's Premier League, where it has been a consistent finalist since the tournament's inception in 2023, finishing runners-up in all three editions.

As the auction unfolds, the team's strategy reflects a blend of continuity through retentions and strategic acquisitions to strengthen middle-order batting and overall balance. Gupta's comments underscore optimism and meticulous preparation for what promises to be a pivotal rebuild.

With the mega auction set to shape the league's landscape for the next cycle, Delhi Capitals appear poised to make calculated moves, leveraging their purse and slots to chase the elusive IPL title while building on recent progress.

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