NEW DELHI: Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Daredevils (DD) have traded in Shikhar Dhawan from the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the upcoming IPL season, marking a return home for the swashbuckling left-handed opener. The move would see Dhawan return to his hometown team for the first time since the inaugural season in 2008.
The southpaw becomes the first player to be drafted in by the Delhi Daredevils as they look to build a strong roster ahead of the 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League. The 32-year old veteran will bring his vast experience in the IPL and adds solidity to the team’s top order as they look to rebuild under a new management team.
DD franchise director Parth Jindal said: “We are thrilled at the prospect of having Shikhar turn up in DD colours for the next season of the IPL. Shikhar has had a hugely successful IPL career and will be an invaluable addition to team DD with the wealth of experience he brings. The Delhi fans love seeing their local boys in action and we’re sure they will get lots to cheer for this season with players of Shikhar’s caliber in the team.”
A prolific opening batsman, Dhawan stands sixth on the IPL run-scoring table having scored 4,058 runs in 143 matches, at an average of 33.26 and a strike rate of 123.53. He was an important cog in the SRH team over the past 6 seasons, captaining the team in 2014 and playing a crucial role during the team’s title-winning 2016 IPL run.
