“They’ve picked everyone in single-digit crores” - S Badrinath’s huge remark on former IPL runners-up after 2026 auction

Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath praised the Delhi Capitals (DC) for their shrewd buys at the IPL 2026 auction. Despite boasting a purse of ₹21.80 crore, the franchise did not jump into double figures for any of their signings, with uncapped pacer Auqib Nabi the highest-priced at ₹8.40 crore.

DC also picked five overseas players from ₹2 to ₹4 crore, including the proven David Miller for ₹2 crore. The side barely missed out on playoff qualification in IPL 2025, finishing fifth after a 4-0 start.

Talking about DC's strategy in the auction, Badrinath told Star Sports (25:06):

"They've picked everyone in single-digit crores. They didn't even go to double digits, which means they've done well in the auction. You've done well in the auction only when you pick good players for a low price, as DC has done with Miller, Duckett, and Auqib Nabi."

He continued:

"It shows how well they prepared for the auction. They've got a well-balanced side, and now it's only about execution. If they make it a pool of 13-14 players and pick from them and have confidence in them, DC will be near the top four."

DC also made an eleventh-hour choice by acquiring one of their former batters, Prithvi Shaw, for ₹75 Lakh.

"Their best pick was Anrich Nortje for just ₹2 crore" - S Badrinath on LSG's IPL 2026 auction moves

Subramaniam Badrinath believes the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) got a steal with the acquisition of South African speedster Anrich Nortje for just ₹2 crore in the IPL 2026 auction. The former batter also called the Wanindu Hasaranga buy at the same price as an excellent move.

"Their best pick was Anrich Nortje for just 2 crore. Yes, he can be expensive, but a fast bowler with the ability to clock 150 at 2 crore is a luxury. Wanindu Hasaranga is also a good pick at 2 crore. But they've sorted out their bowling. They have a well-rounded fast-bowling unit now. We've seen fast bowlers getting assistance in Lucknow. Someone like Nortje might be effective in those conditions," said Badrinath (via the aforementioned source).

However, Badrinath was surprised by LSG's decision to buy Aussie wicketkeeper Josh Inglis at ₹8.60 crore.

"I am not sure what the idea is behind paying Josh Inglis so much, given his availability. He may make himself more available after this, or LSG may be looking at him in the future years," he stated.

Inglis has confirmed his unavailability for most of the IPL 2026 season due to personal commitments. He played a vital role in the Punjab Kings (PBKS) finishing runners-up last season.