IPL 2017: 5 Most Expensive Players In Delhi Daredevils’ History
Feb 11, 2017 at 5:01 PM
In recent times, if there has been one team that has never performed to the combined potential of the players that they’ve had, it has to be Delhi Daredevils. They were quite dominant in the IPL during the initial seasons before losing steam and turning into ‘wooden spooners’ in the last three seasons after getting knocked out in the league stages itself. The franchise owned by GMR group has, however, always made sure they acquired great talents and never refrained from splashing big amount, if required. They, in fact, hold the record of being the highest bidder in the history of the IPL. There were a few other stunning buys as well in the past. In this article, Sportzwiki tries to list five most expensive buys in the history of the franchise.
Yuvraj Singh – 16 Crores
Yuvraj Singh is easily the MVP of the IPL auctions. His place in the international team might have been unsure in the last few years, but his stocks in the domestic level are still very high. So high, that it can make bidders in the auction spell out a sum as high as 16 crores. After being bought by RCB for 14 crores earlier, Yuvraj Singh was later released and snapped by Delhi Daredevils for an even higher sum of 16 Crores. The southpaw, who is currently with the Sunrisers Hyderabad side, had a below par season unfortunately as he could manage only 248 runs in the 14 matches at an measly average of 19 runs.
Dinesh Kartik – 12.50 crores (approx.)
Dinesh Karthik, former India wicket-keeper batsman, returned to the Delhi Daredevils side for the 2014 season after the side bid 12.50 crores for him in the 2014 auction. Karthik, a Tamil Nadu stalwart, started his IPL career with Delhi and was a part of the side for the initial three seasons before moving to Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians. The franchise, however, did not retain him in the following season despite a satisfactory outing, where he scored 325 runs with the help of three fifties.
Karthik is currently with Gujarat Lions.
Irfan Pathan – 12 Crore (approx.)
Irfan Pathan has clearly been one of the most sought after players in the IPL history. His value as a cricketer did not see any damage despite losing a permanent spot in the national team. An evidence of which could be the 12 crore tag which the cricketer was handed over by Delhi Daredevils in the 2011 auction. He was the costliest buy for the team that season and the fourth expensive player overall. A swing bowler and a handy batsman, he wasn’t able to justify the price tag as he managed just 150 runs and 11 wickets in 14 matches.
Mahela Jayawardene 9.1 crore (approx.):
Mahela Jayawardene, one of the most prolific batsmen in Sri Lankan ranks, attracted a bid of 9.1 crores from Delhi Daredevils in the 2012 auction. The news came as a stunner as the experienced right-hander wasn’t really famous for being a T20 kind of player. But, the franchise believed in his technical and consistent run making abilities. His inclusion brought remarkable turnaround in the fortune of the team as his handy contribution enabled his team to reach the knockouts of the tournament for the first time. In all, he ended the season with 335 runs with three fifties.
Kevin Pietersen – Rs 9 crore (approx.)
The versatile Kevin Pietersen was one of the star of the IPL auction in 2014. The star England batsman has always been an in-demand T20 cricketer. He was bought by Delhi Daredevils for 9 crores in 2014 auction. Pietersen couldn’t have a huge impact, as he contributed only 294 runs in 11 matches. His side was eliminated in the league stages itself. He is currently a part of the Rising Pune Supergiants side but unfortunately won’t be available due to injury this season.