IPL: Delhi Capitals bolster squad with exciting Indian players

India batter Mandeep Singh was bought for Rs 1.10 crore, while the left-arm duo of Khaleel Ahmed and Chetan Sakariya were acquired for Rs 5.25 crore and 4.20 crore respectively.

Reflecting on the first session, Delhi Capitals' assistant coach Pravin Amre said, "We are quite pleased with our buys. We have a good bank of Indian fast bowlers. Our strategy is to back Indian bowlers, because with Anrich Nortje in our squad, we can use various other combinations. We will get these options of combinations with a left-arm seamer like Chetan Sakariya and Khaleel Ahmed."

Expressing his excitement to join Delhi Capitals, Mandeep said, "I feel great to be a part of Delhi Capitals team. Thank you Delhi Capitals management for showing faith in me. I will give my absolute best to the franchise. Looking forward to a great season ahead. Ye hai Nayi Dilli!"

Meanwhile, Shardul Thakur, who has been the franchise's most expensive buys in the auction so far, expressed, "I am pretty excited to play for Delhi Capitals and leave a mark. Thank you for showing faith in me and going all out in the bidding war for me. We are going to aim for nothing less than the Championship."

Players acquired at the auction so far: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Shardul Thakur, Mustafizur Rahman, Kuldeep Yadav, Ashwin Hebbar, Sarfaraz Khan, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, KS Bharat, Mandeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Chetan Sakariya. Retained players: Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Prithvi Shaw and Anrich Nortje.