IPL 2018 Auctions: Decoding Delhi Daredevils' performance and predictions for Day 2

After the teams announced their retention list earlier this month, 27th and 28th January were set to be the busy days bound to decide the destinations of 578 players who registered to go under the hammer. Today was the first day of the two-day IPL Auction, and it witnessed many enormous deals along with some of the utter steals.

At the conclusion of the first day of the auction, the Delhi Daredevils boasted a stern squad by picking some of the exquisite players in the auctions. Overall, the Delhi based team auctioned 12 cricketers on Day One and now possess a well-balanced team which consists of the likes of veteran Gautam Gambhir, maverick Glenn Maxwell, speedster Kagiso Rabada along with India Under 19 skipper Prithvi Shaw apart from their retained trio.

A team studded with match-winners

The Delhi-based franchise had retained three players prior to the auctions with swashbuckling wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant being the costliest buy. Alongside Pant, the talented Shreyas Iyer, and Proteas all-rounder Chris Morris was retained. In addition to their explosive retention trio, Daredevils have added a bunch of superstars in Glenn Maxwell, Colin Munro, Gautam Gambhir and the deadly Kagiso Rabada who are capable of winning matches single-handedly.

Colin Munro who is in the form of his life and recently scored his third T20 International century was bought for a mere 1.9 Crores. He will be seen as a potential opener to partner Gambhir at the top. The Daredevils also exhibit a robust middle order which is studded with Rishab Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and power-hitting Aussie Glenn Maxwell who was purchased for a massive 9 Crores.

The lower order which guarantees a spot for big-hitting Morris is now boosted with the arrival of Rahul Tewatia who was auctioned for a whopping 3 Crores along with seaming all-rounder Vijay Shankar for a massive 3.2 Crores. The combination of Rabada along with the vast experience of veteran spinner Amit Mishra and seamer Mohammed Shami give the perennial under-achievers a reasonable chance this edition.

Can the return of the seasoned horses spur Daredevils' title bid

From being the highest run-getter to his side to leading his team to two IPL titles, the seasoned Gambhir's return to the Daredevils camp marks great intent to bid for the title. The 36-year old is determined to give his best shot to lead his home team to their maiden title and expressed the same on Twitter after being bought for 2.8 Crores.

Thanks @kkr for all d support. Will miss Kolkata and Eden. Now, time to try and turn it around for @DelhiDaredevils @IPL. Happy to be back... pic.twitter.com/Wx53ilU9ka

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) January 27, 2018

Well, Gambhir is not the only player to return to the helm of Daredevils. Glenn Maxwell kick-started his IPL career with the Daredevils and played two matches with them before plying his trade for the Mumbai Indians and eventually Kings XI Punjab. But with Ricky Ponting in the coaching seat at Delhi, Maxwell will be hoping to put an end to his inconsistencies in the format and deliver regularly under the invaluable inputs of Ponting.

DD used their RTM cards wisely to hold on to one of the most skilful bowlers in Kagiso Rabada and Indian seamer Mohammad Shami. Their decision to splash 4 Crores on experienced leg-spinner Amit Mishra underlines their intention to stick to players who have represented before in the tournament.

What should they do tomorrow?

The Delhi Daredevils consist of one of the most solid batting orders on paper. However, the bowling unit is just strong enough but certainly lacks top quality alternatives. In addition to this, the Delhi Daredevils outfit will be keen to buy left-arm bowlers to give them variety as they currently do not possess any of them and the management will be mindful to address these issues in the accelerated auction. Furthermore, the batting unit could be strengthened by the addition of experienced Indian players to bat in the middle order.

Delhi Daredevils squad:

Retained - Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Chris Morris.

Bought - Glenn Maxwell, Gautam Gambhir, Colin Munro, Jason Roy, Mohammed Shami, Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra, Prithvi Shaw, Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan.