HYDERABAD: Fast bowler Junior Dala has replaced his injured South Africa team-mate Chris Morris at Delhi Daredevils for the rest of IPL 2018. Morris, who was the only overseas player to be retained by Daredevils, for INR 7.1 crore (USD 1 million approx.), has been sidelined with a back injury.
Dala had set a base price of INR 20 lakh (USD 30,000 approx.) but found no takers in the auction in January. Daredevils have now bought him at that price, and this will be his first IPL stint.
Dala made his T20I debut against India in February this year. He impressed with his unique action – he takes off on his right foot in his pre-delivery stride and lands on the right foot again – and skiddy pace. He was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the three-match T20I series at home against India, claiming seven wickets at an economy rate of 9.16.
Dala adds depth to a pace attack that includes Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Dan Christian, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Sayan Ghosh and Liam Plunkett, who had replaced the injured Kagiso Rabada.
Last month, Dala was picked by Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League draft. In all, Dala has played 52 T20s, taking 49 wickets at an economy rate of 8.21.
