In the IPL 2023 mini-auction, Mukesh Kumar was one of the top picks and signed with Delhi Capitals (DC) for a staggering Rs 5.5 crore. The right-arm pacer bowled for DC’s net team last season. He extended his domestic cricket winning streak and was selected for the ODI team for the home series against South Africa.
Even though Mukesh was still uncapped before DC made the winning offer, franchises were behind him because of his performance in domestic cricket. After the IPL 2023 auction, Mukesh admitted to Sportskeeda that he wasn’t watching the proceedings on television. The right-arm pacer also verified that the teams were genuinely interested in him.
Mukesh said, “For a moment, I checked whether it was my name that was flashing on the screen. I spoke to my family again once I was sold to Delhi and they were very happy. My mother was very emotional.”
He added, “I was talking with my family members and just then my friend called me and congratulated me. I didn’t understand so I asked him the reason. He was shocked that I wasn’t watching the auction and asked me to switch on the TV. When I switched on the TV, I was shocked to see a bidding war for me.”
Other teams interested in purchasing Mukesh were Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). DC quickly joined CSK in the bidding after it began. After CSK withdrew, PBKS entered the auction. The penultimate bid was made by PBKS for Rs 5.25 crore.
With Anrich Nortje, Khaleel Ahmed, Lungi Ngidi, Chetan Sakariya, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ishant Sharma, and Mustafizur Rahman at DC, Mukesh will split the pace-bowling responsibilities. The team will continue to be led by Rishabh Pant.
