It came as a shock to fans and cricket enthusiasts when KL Rahul was bought by Delhi Capitals (DC) for Rs. 14 crore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. With RCB not picking the local boy, DC’s owner, Kiran Grandhi, made a masterstroke in the auction by driving up the prices of Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, allowing them to secure KL at a lower price.
Fans believe that Kiran Grandhi was the reason for KL Rahul’s lower bid, as he strategically pushed other teams to bid high for Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, ultimately securing a steal deal for KL Rahul.
Experienced in high-stakes bidding, Grandhi was at the center of an intense showdown with Preity Zinta’s Punjab Kings during the IPL 2025 mega auction for Shreyas Iyer. Although PBKS secured Iyer for a record ₹26.75 crore, Grandhi’s strategy went beyond merely winning players—it was about mastering the auction dynamics. Fans on social media often highlight his knack for compelling rival teams to stretch their budgets, and this reputation isn’t without merit.
Who is Kiran Kumar Grandhi?
Kiran Kumar Grandhi, the Chairman and co-owner of Delhi Capitals, is a Commerce graduate and the younger son of G M Rao. He has been a member of the GMR Group’s Board since 1999.
Grandhi has played a pivotal role in transforming Delhi Daredevils, now known as Delhi Capitals, into one of the most dynamic teams in the IPL. Under his guidance, the franchise has undergone a remarkable resurgence, earning its place among the league’s most thrilling contenders.
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