IPL 2018: Top 5 players for the Delhi Daredevils

Delhi Daredevils are a side, who comprised of quality cricketers in the first few seasons, but are yet to win their maiden IPL title. Having retained three players in Chris Morris, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, DD entered the IPL 2018 auctions with not a lot of money in their kitty. In the auctions, the Daredevils camp was on its toes to sign Glenn Maxwell, who was left out of Australia's ODI squad recently, and who was finally bought for a whopping Rs 9 crore by the franchise. DD used their two Right To Match (RTM) cards on Mohammed Shami and Kagiso Rabada.

The highlight for DD was, however, the signing of former Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir, who returned to the franchise he represented in the first few editions of the tournament. Gambhir expressed his delight after returning to Delhi and it remains to be seen whether he can help them win their maiden title, after guiding KKR to two trophy triumphs as a captain. While KKR also revealed why they did not go for Gambhir in the auctions, there were plenty of reports ahead of the auctions, which suggested that the senior left-hander wanted to join the Daredevils.

On that note, here is the list of players who could be the top performers for Daredevils this season.

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#5 Shreyas Iyer

He had a great first season with Delhi Daredevils

Termed as one of the next generation stars, Shreyas Iyer is a well-known name in the domestic circuit. With a staggering FC batting average, the Mumbai batsman is known for his dominating approach while batting. He strikes at an excellent rate with an amazing consistency, which is laudable. His style of play has drawn comparisons with the legendary Virender Sehwag who set a trend amongst the Indian openers. He could really set the stage on fire this season for Delhi Daredevils

IPL 2017- 338 runs in 12 matches

#4 Kagiso Rabada

He will form the core of Daredevils' bowling

Kagiso Rabada’s rising status was enhanced in a sharp bidding war at the IPL auction, when the Delhi Daredevils used their right-to-match card for him and bought him for more than $650,000.

Rabada had a quiet run since his debut season last year, which is not surprising, given the intensity of the event. He picked up just six wickets in as many matches and gave away 55 runs. But the Daredevils had obviously noted his increasing maturity and penetration.

Delhi Daredevils will be hoping that he will be the spearhead of the team's bowling line-up.

IPL 2017- 6 wickets in 6 matches

#3 Rishabh Pant

Pant had scored 97 off 42 balls against Gujarat Lions

At 21, Rishabh Pant HAS gone through all the highs and lows of a cricketing career. A promising talent from Delhi, Pant came into reckoning after his exploits for the India Under-19 team in the 2016 World Cup.

Going into the second season of the IPL, his confidence was sky-high and there were talks of an imminent India cap for the 2017 Champions Trophy. But life had another twist for the young batsman. Days before his team's first match - against Royal Challengers Bangalore, his father passed away, leaving a void difficult to fill. He came back to cricket from the tragedy and nearly guided his team home with a single-handed effort, and later blasted a blinding 97 against Gujarat Lions to finish the tournament with 366 runs.

This season they will be hoping him to shine this season.

IPL 2017- 366 runs in 14 matches

#2 Glenn Maxwell

Maxwell played for Delhi in 2012

The Australian all-rounder first played for the Delhi Daredevils in 2012, after which he moved to played for Mumbai Indians, after attracting the highest bid that season.

He shifted to Kings XI Punjab in 2014 and made vital contributions with the willow, which played a major part in the team's entry into the finals.

He will be hoping that he can contribute for his team this season, after a below-par IPL last year.

IPL 2017- 310 runs in 14 matches

#1 Chris Morris

He has taken 12 Wickets last season

A naturally gifted athlete, Morris is capable of turning a game of cricket around with both bat and ball. With the ability to crank up the speed-gun while generating good bounce, and also some well documented hitting prowess, he makes for a genuine all-round option, which most teams would open their doors for, especially in the limited overs format.

Morris could be the spearhead of Delhi's bowling, along with his countrymen Rabada and could will be a crucial member in the lower middle order.

IPL 2017- 152 runs and 13 wickets in 12 matches