Delhi franchise set to release Shardul Thakur ahead of mini-auction

Even after notching 15 wickets from 14 matches last season, Shardul Thakur will not be retained by the Delhi-based franchise for the upcoming Indian T20 League. The Rishabh Pant-led side bought the all-rounder for a whooping ₹10.75 crore and thus their motive behind the move is to release some money ahead of the mini-auction.

However, it’s not just about the money. It has been learned that the management was not convinced by Thakur’s performance in the last edition. The 31-year-old leaked more than 10 runs per over and his batting didn't inspire a lot of confidence either. Even though his strike rate was on a higher note, he could never manage to be consistent and help the team win a few games.

The team was open to trading him with some other players but unfortunately, the deal couldn’t go ahead because of Shardul’s high price tag. Now, that the player is likely to be available at the mini-auction, Delhi isn’t ruling him out for a cheaper price.

Four more players are set to leave the Delhi franchise

Other than Thakur, the Delhi-based franchise are also set to release KS Bharat, Tim Seifert, Mandeep Singh and Ashwin Hebbar.

Seifert, who just played two games for Delhi, managed to score 24 runs. Bharat and Mandeep Singh played a couple of matches but couldn’t make much of their opportunities. Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh opener didn’t get any opportunity.

The franchise wanted to keep a foreign spot open and that’s the reason behind them getting rid of Seifert. Meanwhile, the management decided to retain U19 World Championship-winning captain Yash Dhull despite not giving him any chance in the last season.

“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 Indian T20 League source was quoted as saying.