IPL 2018: Delhi Daredevils Probable Playing XI

The IPL 2018 auction finally culminated earlier today after 2 days of intense action, which saw the franchises going all guns blazing in a bid to procure their desired players. While we witnessed some big money spending by the teams, there were a few heavyweights who went unsold as well. Thus with all done and dusted, the teams have acquired their required arsenals as they prep up for the mega-event.

Speaking about Delhi Daredevils, the franchise has made some smart buys over the weekend auction. Delhi, who is yet to win a title, looks lethal on paper and can shape up good in their bid to their maiden title claim.

Ahead of IPL 2018, we take a look at how the Delhi Daredevils can lineup for the upcoming season.

Openers: Colin Munro, Prithvi Shaw

India Under-19 skipper Prithvi Shaw headed to Delhi Daredevils for 1.2 Cr. From working with Rahul Dravid in the junior world up to working with Ricky Ponting at Delhi, the opportunity will provide a good learning curve to the youngster.

Arguably the best buy for Delhi in the auction was Kiwi all-rounder Colin Munro for just 1.9 Cr. Munro, who is currently the numero uno T20I batsman in the world and is also the only batsmen to score three T20 international hundreds, will be bringing in a lot of experience into the squad.

Middle Order: Gautam Gambhir (C), Rishabh Pant (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Glenn Maxwell

Gautam Gambhir will be heading back to Delhi after spending seven long years with the KKR franchise. After helping KKR win two titles, he was let go by the franchise (during IPL retention) and they even chose not use the right to match card for him. Delhi acquired the services of Gambhir for Rs 2.8 crores.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been a standout performer ever since his foray into IPL. The left-hander, on many occasions, has steered his team to victory single-handedly. The team will rely heavily on Pant’s performance in the middle, although the team boasts of a good batting depth. He along with Shreyas Iyer will have a task cut-out to form a partnership and help the steer the team past difficult situations.

The prodigal son returns to Delhi as Glenn Maxwell was bought by Delhi Daredevils for a whopping amount of Rs 9 Crores and will be a clinical addition Delhi’s explosive batting lineup.

All-rounders: Chris Morris, Vijay Shankar

South African all-rounder was signed up by Daredevils ahead of the 2016 season and has been a key performer of the team. A bowler capable of generating disconcerting pace and someone who can hit the ball hard, Morris will play a crucial role in the upcoming season.

The franchise has also bought 27-year-old Tamil Nadu cricketer Vijay Shankar. The all-rounder will be tasked with providing stability in both the departments and contribute if and when necessary.

Bowlers: Amit Mishra, Mohammad Shami, Trent Boult

Amit Mishra has been one of the most consistent performers for the Delhi Daredevils over the years and therefore, Ricky Ponting’s team have gone again for the leggie and acquired his services for Rs 4 Crore. The attacking right-arm leg-break bowler has played 75 matches and taken 78 wickets at an economy of 7.49. Mishra is the only player in IPL with three hat-tricks

Bengal pacer Mohammed Shami too was retained by Delhi Daredevils after they used the Right to Match card for him. Shami was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 3 Crore but Delhi was having none of it as they retained him for the same value.

Delhi Daredevils does not lack behind in the pace department as they have acquired the services of Kiwis pacer Trent Boult. The veteran speedster joins the Delhi ranks for a big sum of 2.2 Cr.

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