Kiran Kumar Gandhi, co-owner and chairman of Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) was seen recently in action in the IPL Auction 2024 at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He was dubbed as ‘Mastermind’ in this season’s auction as he managed to drive up the prices for players like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer only to acquire other valuable players. Currently, Grandhi directs the GMR Group’s Finance and Corporate Strategic Planning efforts while continuing to spearhead its sports initiatives.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Sarfaraz Khan Unsold Despite Impressive Performances – What Went Wrong For The Test Star?
Gandhi vs Punjab Kings
He made some smart moves by exhausting the purse for other franchises when he managed to drive up the price for Shreyas Iyer as he was seen in a bidding war with Punjab Kings’ owner Priety Zinta for Iyer. The bidding went as far as 26.75 crore rupees for Iyer and eventually landed for Priety Zinta and Co. But this move made Starc available for a much cheaper price of 11.75 crore rupees for him. Arshdeep Singh was retained by Punjab Kings for 18 crores already.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans Full Squad After Auction
Gandhi vs Lucknow Giants
Another mindful tactic seen by Gandhi was when he managed to puff up the price of star wicket-keeper, Rishabh Pant to 27 crore for the Lucknow Super Giants due to which he could grab a steal deal as KL Rahul for his franchise Delhi Capitals for 14 crores. Several social media users posted images of the 49-year-old smirking as soon as the Lucknow Super Giants picked Pant for a record 27 crore rupees.
