IPL 2020 Auction: 3 players Delhi Capitals may look to buyback from their released list

Delhi Capitals have been one of the most disappointing sides in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the years. However, under the young and energetic Shreyas Iyer, DC’s fortunes changed in 2019, as they made the IPL playoffs for the first time since 2012. The franchise would now look to build on their impressive gains from 2019.

In the latest development as part of their effort to change things around, Delhi Capitals have appointed former India wicketkeeper-batsman Vijay Dahiya as the head of the talent scout development wing. He replaces another former India cricketer Praveen Amre. Dahiya was earlier assistant coach with former champions, Kolkata Knight Riders.

While announcing their pre-auction squad for 2020 last month, Delhi retained their key players like Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and Kagiso Rabada. On the other hand, they released a total of nine players. However, here’s a look at three players, DC might want to buy back at the auction.

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#3 Jalaj Saxena

Jalal Saxena

Veteran domestic all-rounder Jalaj Saxena was picked up by Delhi Capitals for his base price of Rs 20 lakh at the IPL 2019 auction. However, he did not get a single game, and was released by the franchise earlier this month. Saxena has been consistent on the domestic scene for many years now. He is the only cricketer with 6,000+ runs and over 300 wickets in first-class cricket not to have represented India.

Saxena, who earlier played for Madhya Pradesh and now represents Kerala, was recently in the news when he blew away India A with figures of 7 for 41, while playing for India C in the Deodhar Trophy -- the best-ever figures in the history of the tournament. He can be a good pick with his middle-order batting skills and an off-spinner and more importantly at a decent price.

Also see - IND vs WI schedule 2019

Saxena has an impressive T20 record as bowler -- 49 wickets in 54 matches at a strike rate of 16.8 and an economy rate of 6.92.

#2 Colin Munro

Colin Munro

The 32-year-old explosive left-handed opening batsman from New Zealand, Colin Munro failed to make an impact for Delhi Capitals in 2019, after being retained by the franchise despite an average performance in 2018. While Munro managed only 63 runs from five matches in 2018, he could score only 84 from four games in 2019 edition.

Looking at the figures one could absolutely understand why Delhi released Munro. However, taking a look at his current form, and his overall pedigree as a T20 cricketer, the franchise might be tempted to give the aggressive batsman another chance. After smashing 46 from 21 against England in the 5th T20I last month, he has notched up scores of 119 from 87 and 167 from 94 for Auckland in the 50-over Ford Trophy.

There has never been any doubt about Munro’s ability -- 5662 runs in 237 T20s at a strike rate of 145.55 speak for itself.

#1 Chris Morris

Chris Morris

Having been released by Delhi Capitals, veteran South African all-rounder Chris Morris has put his name back in the auction for a base price of Rs 2 crore. Morris’ ability to bowl accurate yorkers at the death as well as his big-hitting lower down the order make him a dangerous T20 player. However, Morris hasn’t done much with the bat over the last two seasons, scoring just 46 and 32 runs in 2018 and 2019 respectively. And, while he picked up 13 wickets in the most recent season, it wasn’t enough for Delhi to retain him.

There are no two ways about it that Morris is a high-utility cricketer. His batting strike rate of 157.62, and bowling strike rate of 18.60 speak for itself. In overall T20 cricket as well, the Proteas all-rounder has a strike rate of 150-plus with the bat and 17 with the ball across 190 games. What Delhi could have done is utilise his services better. Perhaps, he could have been used as a floater with the bat.

With the South Africa cricketer having played for the franchise for a few seasons, Delhi would know Morris’ strengths and weaknesses rather well. As such, they would be best suited to make use of his skills.