The Delhi Capitals (DC) paid Rs 14 crore for KL Rahul and expect the right-handed batter to guide the team's younger members while steering the squad in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

The franchise secured Rahul for Rs 14 crore during the IPL mega auction on Sunday, November 24, overcoming bids from the Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Chennai Super Kings

DC co-owner Parth Jindal expressed confidence in Rahul's leadership

"We are looking for stability in the top order, someone with experience who can really build the innings. I think with KL Rahul, given his record in the IPL he is someone who is consistently given more than 400 runs every season. I think that the Kotla wicket is really going to suit his game, and we are really excited. KL Rahul's batting and his experience is going to be a very vital cog in the wheel," Parth said.

Speaking on the team’s strategy, Jindal highlighted DC's intent to bolster their bowling attack on Day 2, with Indian bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mukesh Kumar still available in the auction pool.

"We focused on securing the best available talent today. On Day 2, we are targeting a few more bowlers to solidify our lineup. With a strong batting and bowling unit, we are confident of fielding a very competitive squad," Jindal said.

The Capitals made a splash on the first day of the auction, acquiring nine players, including global superstars and promising domestic talents. 

Star Signings on Day 1 of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction:

1. Mitchell Starc (Australia) - Bowler - Rs 11.75 crore
2. KL Rahul (India) - WK-Batter - Rs. 14 crore
3. Jake Fraser-McGurk (Australia) - Batter - Rs. 9 crore (RTM)
4. Harry Brook (England) - Batter - Rs. 6.25 crore
5. T Natarajan (India) - Bowler - Rs. 10.75 crore
6. Karun Nair (India) - Batter - Rs. 50 lakh
7. Sameer Rizvi (India) - Allrounder-Rs 95 lakh
8. Ashutosh Sharma (India) - Allrounder - Rs 3.80 crore
9. Mohit Sharma (India) - Bowler - Rs 2.20 crore