IPL 2016 Delhi Daredevils Predicted XI

2) Quinton de Kock, Age: 23

QDK in full flight is a sight to behold

Quinton de Kock is the automatic choice at the top of the order, complementing Shreyas Iyer perfectly and making it a left hand right hand batting partnership at the top. De Kock has seen his stock rise over the last couple of years. He’s already racked up 10 ODI hundreds in 57 matches and is a premier wicket keeper who can take catches that change matches.

IPL 2015 Quick Facts:

Matches – 3

Runs – 122

Average – 40.66

Strike Rate – 158.44

High Score – 69 (v Royal Challengers Bangalore)

QDK had an impressive run in a largely forgettable tournament for the South Africans in the WT20, making it to the team of the tournament. So impressive that it led to people getting just a little bit carried away –

For me @QuinnyDeKock69 is the best player in this whole world...may @imVkohli for others ....

— Abdul Hannan (@hannan769) March 28, 2016

Delhi should rely on ‘QDK’ to get them away to great starts and his form will be crucial for Delhi’s success. It is worth noting that Delhi have a number of wicketkeeping options with Samson and Englishman Sam Billings in the ranks as well, so QDK will have to perform to keep his place in the squad.

3) Sanju Samson, Age: 21

Samson will look to impress the selectors with a good showing in the IPL

Sanju Samson made waves when we was thrust into the spotlight playing for the Rajasthan Royals in 2013. It’s not everyday you see a 19 year old from Kerala have such an immediate impact as he did and he has been an IPL star over the last couple of season. What’s more? He’s thrived playing under Rahul Dravid.

IPL 2015 Quick Facts:

Matches – 14

Runs – 206

Average – 20.40

Strike Rate – 125.15

High Score – 76 (v Mumbai Indians)

Clamour grew for the inclusion of the likes of Sanju Samson during India’s WT20 campaign -

Time to start grooming a Wicket Keeper. Dhoni should start playing as a batsman. Sanju Samson ?

— Rajasimhan (@simhan87) March 31, 2016

He will be hoping on improving his relatively poor average but should benifit from a role higher up in the batting order. He can double up as a wicketkeeper and his flexibility adds a lot of depth to the squad. Another great year for him in the IPL? We reckon so.