2019 IPL auction: Players whom Daredevils should buy in December
Delhi Daredevils wanted to script a new chapter in the 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League 2018. Their newly assembled side led by former KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir was expected to shine. But it all went downhill. Gambhir gave up captaincy, as they finished last. In the upcoming auction, Daredevils will look to strengthen their squad. Here are the players DD could target.
DD released 13 players and acquired one player in the form of Shikhar Dhawan in the IPL trade window. The list of released players included stars like Gambhir and Glenn Maxwell. With 14 players retained, DD will look to add some depth.
DD have retained their core. Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer and Colin Munro bring a lot to the table. Not to forget the dangerous Rishabh Pant. The acquisition of Dhawan was a sound strategy. Dhawan and Shaw are expected to lead the batting atop and provide a solid foundation. Young Harshal Patel can light up things in the middle. 19-year-old Manjot Kalra is available too.
South African international Heinrich Klaasen will be up for grabs, this time around. He is a wicket-keeper batsman and can act as a back-up. He wasn't given too many opportunities in IPL 2018, where he participated in only four matches. The Proteas man can be a handy option at the death. Further, he is likely to be available for a relatively lower price.
Daredevils need some stability. So besides Heinrich, Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim could be another potential target. Rahim remained unsold last term. Another option comes in the form of young West Indian batsman Shimron Hetmyer. An experienced head like Joe Root can do them good as well.
Delhi let go off big money signing Glenn Maxwell besides the likes of Gurkeerat Singh Mann and Daniel Christian. The northern side has someone experienced in the form of Chris Morris. And another solid all-rounder would bolster their chances. Expect DD to fight other teams to buy England star Chris Woakes. But they should ideally target players like Sam Curran or Sikandar Raza.
When it comes to bowling, DD will rely heavily on Trent Boult and Sandeep Lamichhane. SA pacer Kagiso Rabada can be lethal as well. Young Avesh Khan is seen as someone with potential. In spin department, besides Sandeep, they have the experienced Amit Mishra and Jayant Yadav. Rahul Tewatia also lends voice. DD need a few pacers to build the side.
DD have some foreign slots available and it is best that they focus more on all-rounders and a batsmen. With two foreign pacers available, DD should target Indian names. Jaydev Unadkat could be a handy option. They can also target Barinder Sran.
