IPL 2018 Transfer Window: 5 players Delhi Daredevils will target

The Delhi Daredevils have had a very poor start to their campaign in the 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League. Coming in to the tournament, they had high hopes of changing their fortunes in the season. Over the recent editions of the tournament, they have been the only side that has failed to make it to the business end in the last five years. And as the things stand out this season, it is apparent that the Daredevils might fail to make the cut again.

If they wish to change their fortunes, they have to pull their socks sometime soon this season. They have very little time left and hence, every game that they play from hereon will be an important fixture for them. Despite having a very firm leader in Gautam Gambhir, the team has failed to come up with a collective show. They have had a failed top order this season, their all-rounders have not clicked yet, and the Indian firepower in the bowling department seems to be lacking.

Amidst this backdrop, the mid-season IPL Transfer Window comes as a big opportunity for the Delhi Daredevils to make a few quick amendments. They know what has been lacking for them this season and hence, will have some names in their minds to target at the transfers. The transfer window will run from the 27th match of the season till the playoffs. Here we try to pick five such players who the Daredevils would want to rope in during the transfers.

Here are the 5 players Delhi Daredevils will target in the transfer window:

Mohammad Nabi

The Delhi Daredevils have had a big struggle with their all-rounders department in the season. Chris Morris, the hitherto mainstay of the middle-order, has failed to deliver in either of the departments and Dan Christian has lacked the shine too. Hence, the Daredevils will like to have a handy all-rounder like Mohammad Nabi in their side.

Nabi is currently with the Sunrisers Hyderabad camp. He has played just one match, as on April 24, 2018, and hence could play a maximum of two games by the time the transfer window begins. If the double Ds manage to get his services,  it will be a big deal for them. Nabi’s off-spinners will certainly add value to the bowling department as well.

Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel Ahmed might sound like a very new name to the world cricket. But the young Indian pace bowler has a good reputation in the Indian cricket circle already. The Rajasthan born pacer was an integral part of the India U19 team during the ICC U19 World Cup 2016. He bowls left arm medium pace and has the ability to angle the ball away from the right handers.

His cutters are as accurate as that of Mustafizur Rahman. This season, he has been picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad for a whopping INR 3 crores but is yet to get a game. The Delhi Daredevils could think of roping him in since the Indian pacers in the side like Mohammed Shami have largely failed thus far.

Alex Hales

Hard-hitting English batsman Alex Hales is yet to play a game in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League. Hales was added on the Sunrisers Hyderabad roster as a replacement for David Warner. It will not be a surprising move if the Daredevils decide to bid for Hales during the transfers.

By far, the approach of the Delhi Daredevils in the opening slot has remained pretty straightforward. They have gone ahead with an overseas player at the top of the order along with Gautam Gambhir in most of the matches. With Colin Munro and Jason Roy not being in the best of the forms, Hales could find himself at the top of the order for the Delhi camp.

Parthiv Patel

Parthiv Patel could be a very handy addition to any side in the Transfer Windows this season. The veteran left handed batsman has been warming the bench for the Royal Challengers Bangalore this season. The Delhi Daredevils have had their struggles with the opening pair.

In case the Daredevils plan to go forward with an Indian opening combination, then Parthiv could ideally suit the bill for them. Last season, Patel was phenomenal at the top of the order for the Mumbai Indians. Also, he could relieve Rishabh Pant from the keeping duties if the need arises during some stage in the tournament.

Anureet Singh

Anureet Singh can also solve the bowling woes of the Delhi Daredevils. Anureet is a proven performer of the Indian domestic circuit. He has the experience of playing in the IPL as well and was among the top performers for the Kings XI Punjab outfit for quite some time.

He has 17 IPL wickets to his name and has a healthy strike rate of 22.82 in the tournament. With the experienced DD bowlers not living up to the expectations, Anureet could pretty much fit the scheme of things for the Daredevils. Currently, Anureet is with the Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing edition of the tournament.

*Disclaimer: These are the players’ teams would’ve liked to add with the transfer window. However, the rule is that only uncapped players who have played maximum two matches after 7 matches will be eligible for transfer.

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