IPL Auction 2018: 5 players Delhi Daredevils should target

Arguably the most disappointing franchise in the league, the Delhi Daredevils show glimpses of hope from time to time but are never able to build on it. Apart from the first couple of seasons, the team have often been brushed aside as they've accustomed themselves to losing their star players, who inevitably enjoy success elsewhere.

Despite all the coaching and pedigree in the squad, the Daredevils have often lacked the composure to seize important moments in games.

With the exclusion of Zaheer Khan this time around, the Daredevils will be on the hunt for a new captain. With new head coach Ricky Ponting roped in, will this be the start of a new era in the franchise's history?

Here are five players the Daredevils should target in the upcoming auction:

Gautam Gambhir

Some may argue against his inclusion while some may believe it was wrong to let him go in the first place. A stalwart of the game, Gambhir is unlikely to be bought back by the Kolkata Knight Riders. Upon taking over the reins at KKR, he initiated a new chapter in the franchise's history.

From being inconsistent at best, he brought in a sense of consistency and led them to two famous titles. His aggressiveness as captain, combined with the astute mind of Ponting could be exactly what's needed for a change in fortunes.

Opening the batting, he is more than capable of anchoring the innings while others play their shots around him. Being a homeboy, and with age not on his side, he is likely to go on the cheap.

IPL Stats:

Matches 148 | Runs 4132 | High Score 93 | Average 31.78 | Strike Rate 124.60 | 100s: 0 | 50s: 35

International T20 Stats

Matches 37 | Runs 932 | High Score 75 | Average 27.41 | Strike Rate 119.02 | 100s: 0 | 50s: 7

Colin Munro

Once a middle-order batsman, now promoted to open, Colin Munro has proven himself to be one of New Zealand's most reliable big hitters. His incredible ability to tee off from the first ball has provided his teams with brilliant starts. He's added a sense of consistency to his game and of late has been accumulating big runs at a tremendous rate.

A partner like Gambhir at the other end acting as a foil could be perfect for him and the franchise. The pitch at the Kotla, combined with small boundaries is likely to suit his style of batting. With three T20 international centuries to his name already, combined with his handy part-time medium-fast bowling, he is likely to be a valuable asset for any suitor.

IPL Stats

Matches 4 | Runs 30 | High Score 16 | Average 10 | Strike Rate 100.00 | 100s: 0 | 50s: 0

International T20 Stats

Matches 39 | Runs 996 | High Score 109* | Average 34.34| Strike Rate 157.84 | 100s: 3 | 50s: 5

Chris Lynn

"Lynnsanity" was a term all of us got accustomed to last IPL. Weak shoulder aside, Chris Lynn is easily the hardest and cleanest hitter of the cricket ball. His ability to send the ball sailing way over the boundary rope is second to none. Lynn has proven on numerous occasions that no ground is big enough for him, and would relish the thought of batting at the Kotla.

Lynn has the ability to play at the top of the order or in the middle; a valuable asset as he possesses the ability to change the course of the game in a mere over or two. Not being retained by the Kolkata Knight Riders came as a surprise to all, as he's likely to send the auctioneers into a frenzy.

IPL Stats:

Matches 11| Runs 378| High Score 93*| Average 42.00 | Strike Rate 161.53 | 100s: 0 | 50s: 3

International T20 Stats

Matches 5 | Runs 65 | High Score 33* | Average 21.66 | Strike Rate 135.41 | 100s: 0 | 50s: 0

Ish Sodhi

An underrated bowler, Ish Sodhi has risen to prominence over the last few years. A vital member of the New Zealand T20I squad, Ish has gone on to bewilder batsmen on a regular basis and has often reaped the rewards.

Not afraid to toss the ball up, his aggressive nature often deceives batsmen. In addition, his economy rate of 6.85 is really impressive especially when batsmen are looking to go after him.

Having recently impressed in the India vs New Zealand T20I series, his value is likely to shoot up from his meager INR 50 lakhs base price.

IPL Stats:

Not yet played

International T20 Stats

Matches 19 | Wickets 29 | Best bowling 3/18 | Average 15.75 | Economy 6.85

Mitchell Starc

Arguably the best bowler across all formats in the world at the moment, Mitchell Starc is a name that strikes fear into the hearts of all contemporary batsmen. Although Delhi have always had an abundance of bowling talent, they've somehow always lacked a killer instinct.

Starc, on the other hand, will ensure wickets up front in the power play and nine times out of ten, strangle the batsmen during the death overs. Very few batsmen in the world at the moment have the ability to consistently get the better of him.

Charging in and bowling at 140+kmph consistently, even often breaching the 150 kmph mark, Starc is a sight to behold. In addition, his pinch-hitting abilities make him very effective down the order too.

IPL Stats:

Matches 27 | Wickets 34 | Best Innings Bowled 4/15 | Average 20.38 | Economy 7.16

International T20 Stats

Matches 22 | Wickets 30 | Best Innings Bowled 3/11 | Average 18.86 | Economy 6.77