IPL 2023: "Finally, Lord at Eden Gardens" - Twitterati react as KKR acquire Shardul Thakur in an all-cash deal ahead of mini-auction

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have pulled off a massive deal by acquiring all-rounder Shardul Thakur from the Delhi Capitals (DC) in an all-cash deal. The two-time champions have made the most of the trade window, having also brought in Rahmanullah Garbaz and Lockie Ferguson from the Gujarat Titans (GT).

Rumors had suggested that DC were considering releasing Shardul Thakur from their squad to spruce up their purse for the forthcoming IPL 2023 mini-auctions. The former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder cost the Rishabh Pant-led side a whopping ₹10.75 crore in the mega-auction last year.

DC, the IPL 2020 finalists, waged a huge bidding war against the likes of Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) to secure Thakur's services. The all-rounder then found suitors once again as DC announced their intention to put the player up for trade.

This time it was KKR who thwarted competition from GT, PBKS and CSK to brand the player in Purple and Gold ahead of the 2023 season.

A section of fans lauded the franchise for making the most of the trade window, while others believed DC had gotten the better end of the deal. Here are some of the reactions on the social media platform:

Shardul Thakur took 15 wickets in IPL 2022

The Mumbai-born all-rounder's first season with DC ended up being his second-most successful season with the ball. He claimed 15 wickets in the season as the side narrowly missed out on qualifying for the playoffs.

Thakur also marked his most successful season with the bat by a big margin while playing for DC. He tallied 120 runs across that campaign, while his second-best season with the bat saw him score just 15 runs.

Thakur was part of the playing XI in all of DC's matches in the 2022 edition as well. They had an injury-riddled season and were desperately short of overseas players at one stage, but the all-rounder was a mainstay for the side.

The IPL franchises will submit a list of their retained and released players by Tuesday, November 15, which will determine their final purse. Teams will have an additional ₹5 crore to spend at the IPL mini-auction, which is scheduled to take place on December 23 in Kochi.