"We are going to aim for nothing less than a championship" - Shardul Thakur wants to leave a mark with the Delhi Capitals 

Shardul Thakur will represent the Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals' (DC) biggest recruit, Shardul Thakur, expressed his pleasure after signing with the team on day one of the IPL 2022 auction. The all-rounder will be playing for his fourth IPL franchise next season, having represented the Punjab franchise, Rising Pune Supergiant and the Chennai Super Kings.

The 30-year-old was released by the defending champions following a successful campaign. He was the highest wicket-taker for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021. His knack for picking up wickets at regular intervals and handy batting credentials made him a prized asset ahead of the auction.

His value has also increased with consistent involvement with the Indian national team, where he has cemented a spot in the first XI as an all-rounder. Thanking the Delhi Capitals for persisting with him in the intense bidding war, Thakur said:

"Hello everyone, and a quick hi to all the fans at Delhi Capitals, the owners, and the management. Four years and a new IPL team for me. I'm pretty excited to play for Delhi Capitals and leave a mark. Thank you for having the faith and going all out in the bidding war for me. We are going to aim for nothing less than a championship."

The Capitals were among the most active franchises on day one of the auction. They roped in 9 players and spent ₹34.5 crore.

Delhi Capitals spent ₹10.75 crore for Shardul Thakur

The 2021 IPL finalists survived an intense bidding war with Punjab Kings to secure the services of the India international. The all-rounder's former franchise, Chennai Super Kings, made an attempt midway through the bidding process, but bowed out after a solitary bid.

He will be the leading all-rounder for the franchise in the coming seasons and will have an instrumental role to play in the lower middle order. Apart from the 30-year-old, the Capitals have signed all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Ashwin Hebbar.