IPL Auction 2020: 3 players who can replace Trent Boult at the Delhi Capitals

In one of the most recent trades ahead of the IPL auction next month, New Zealand speedster Trent Boult was traded to the Mumbai Indians ahead of the 13th edition of the IPL. Boult, who was one of the better performers for Delhi Capitals in the last two seasons will now join the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga and Hardik Pandya to share the fast bowling duties for the three-time champions.

The Capitals, having finished third last season have been quite busy ahead of the auction, making the best use of the trading window. However, this trade comes across as a major surprise, especially after Boult was retained after his stellar show in 2018 ahead of IPL 2019.

Although the Kiwi pacer could make just five appearances alll through last season, he was Delhi’s highest wicket-taker in 2018, finishing with 18 wickets in an otherwise disappointing season for the capital city-based franchise.

With this trade, the Capitals now have their task cut out to find a potent option who can partner Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma and others in the bowling department for IPL 2020.

Here we take a look at 3 bowlers who replace Trent Boult at the Delhi Capitals.

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#3 Chris Jordan

Chris Jordan

After going unsold in the last auction, English all-rounder Chris Jordan might find a bidder in the upcoming IPL auction. One of the most popular T20 players in England, Jordan is someone who’s highly rated for his skills in the shortest format of the game.

He’s a lethal option with the ball, with an ability to deliver a nasty short ball and sizzling yorkers. He can even slog with the bat in the death overs to muster runs at a quick pace. To top it all, he’s a gun fielder in the outfield and has a safe pair of hands as a close-in. He is quick in covering the ground and often prevents the batsman from running easy singles.

Jordan has been a regular member of England in their T20 setup. He comes with an experience of playing in various T20 leagues around the globe. He would be a decent option for Delhi to replace Boult as their third seamer in the starting XI as he provides the luxury of bowling in the death and can even deliver a quick opening burst with the new ball.

#2 Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins

The No.1 ranked Test bowler in the world, Pat Cummins might also fetch a big contract at the upcoming IPL auction. The speedster, after being bought by the Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2018 for a hefty price of ₹5.4 Cr missed the entire season due to his back injury. Even Ahead of the next edition, he withdrew his name from the league to focus on his national duties for Australia.

However, this time around, Cummins is set to feature in IPL after a gap of two years. The Aussie paceman is in great rhythm after playing a major hand in Australia retaining the Ashes 2019. Cummins is one of the quickest bowlers in the world and comes with an advantage of his improved bowling fitness. After representing Delhi during the 2017 IPL season, the Aussie quick might once again don the Delhi-jersey in 2020.

He might well pip others to be the first-choice for Delhi in their fast bowling department. The team can rely upon him to deliver the goods with the new ball and display his skills with economical stuff in the death along with South African speedster Kagiso Rabada.

#1 Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc

One of the most lethal fast bowlers from Australia, Mitchell Starc has often been on the side-lines due to the recurring injuries that have dented his career. The Australian quick last featured in the IPL in 2015 for Royal Challengers Bangalore, but has since then missed the league due to injuries and national commitments.

However, the 29-year old will hope to make a return to this lucrative league after failing to contribute in the IPL for the last few years. Similar to the 2018 auction, Starc is expected to get a fancy bid as he comes along with a reputation of a tear-away fast bowler. Starc was part of the team that retained Ashes on the English soil and even had a role to play in his team’s home victories against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the recent T20I series.

More importantly, Starc is in good bowling form and will love to make a definite appearance in IPL 2020. He might obtain a bid from the Delhi Capitals, who will look for a possible replacement for Trent Boult in the upcoming auction.