Delhi Daredevils explain their team building strategy for IPL 2019

Shikhar Dhawan exchange for three players to ₹ 2 crore deal for Hanuma Vihari and ₹ 6.4 crore for Proteas Colin Ingram and several rookie base price acquisitions, rechristened Delhi Indian Premier League franchisee Delhi Capitals has explained their “intelligence picks” for the IPL 2019 season.

The Delhi Capitals will be out to accomplish what the Delhi Daredevils have failed to achieve in the 11 years for the IPL. A new co-owner in the leading role, a new name, a new-look team management and a new-look squad – the Delhi Capitals in quest of their maiden IPL title claim to have made “intelligence picks”.

JSW Sports director Parth Jindal himself led the auction proceedings for the Delhi Capitals at Jaipur yesterday (Tuesday).

The franchisee has described drafting-in of Dhawan as a huge move. Post auction, the Delhi Capitals claim to have a complete team strong by all means. “We had decided to keep our potent core untouched and increase the skill quotient of the entire squad. We ticked all the boxes in the auction, bringing in 10 players and still being able to keep ₹7.7 crore in the purse,” Delhi Capitals have described in an article on their official website.

The article explaining the Delhi Capitals game plan and strategy is reproduced here for the Insidesport.co readers.

Also Read: RCB @ IPL Auction 2019: The complete team

With Shikhar, Colin Munro, Prithvi, Rishabh, Shreyas and Manjot already in our side, the top and top-middle order is one of the best among the IPL teams this season. Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Rahul Tewatia take care of the pace department while Amit Mishra, Sandeep Lamichhane, Jayant Yadav take care of spin. We had quality all-rounders in the form of Harshal Patel and Chris Morris. Something that we needed was to strengthen our middle-order and Hanuma Vihari, Colin Ingram fit the bill.

Based on magnificent First-Class performance of late, Hanuma hopped on a plane to Australia, and scored a half-century against the Cricket Australia XI. His performance for the senior side on his debut has also impressed one and all.

While a calm Hanuma has the capability of anchoring an innings in the time of need, Colin Ingram, nicknamed Bozie, can go berserk against our opponents. His hard-hitting nature makes him a suited middle-order – exactly the kind we were looking for to match up with the pace of Pant.

Also Read: KKR @ IPL Auction 2019: The complete team

To take the batting further down the order, enters Axar Patel. With consecutive successful years on IPL and domestic cricket, Axar has the required experience alongside his talent to handle pressure situations. In subcontinent conditions against overseas players, Axar’s off-spin will be an asset.

For a similar position, Jalaj Saxena can be our other option. One of the most consistent spin-bowling all-rounders in Indian domestic circuit, who averages just above 20 with the ball in T20s, Jalaj is one of our most interesting picks this auction.

One of the most important inclusions to the side is that of Ishant Sharma, who brings not only his skills but years of experience also. Along with him, Keemo Paul also joins the pace-attack to make it one of the strongest in the league. He also has the ability to hit the ball out of the park if necessary.

Talking about clearing the rope, our new recruit, Sherfane Rutherford loves to do that. The uncapped Caribbean has a strikerate over 140 in T20s and has been in talks since his performances in the T10 League.

With medium pacers Nathu Singh and Bandaru Ayyappa in the squad, the Capitals’ side looks complete and all prepared for the action as it begins in 2019.

The Squad:

Retained: Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, Amit Mishra, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel, Rahul Tewatia, Jayant Yadav, Manjot Kalra, Colin Munro, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Sandeep Lamichhane, Trent Boult.

Traded: Shikhar Dhawan from Sunrisers Hyderabad for Abhishek Sharma, Vijay Shankar, Shahbaz Nadeem.

Bought: Hanuma Vihari (Rs 2 crore), Axar Patel (Rs 5 crore), Ishant Sharma (Rs 1.10 crore), Ankush Bains (Rs 20 lakh), Nathu Singh (Rs 20 lakh), Colin Ingram (Rs 6.40 crore), Sherfane Rutherford (Rs 2 crore), Keemo Paul (Rs 50 lakh), Jalaj Saxena (Rs 20 lakh), Bandaru Ayyappa (Rs 20 lakh).

Also Read: Mumbai Indians @ IPL Auction 2019: The complete team

Cricket