The left-handed opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan has joined Delhi Daredevils for the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The news has been confirmed by the franchise itself.
There were reports that Dhawan was unhappy with the amount which he was getting at Sunrisers Hyderabad and was in talks with few franchises over a transfer ahead of the new season. A report in ESPNcricinfo last week suggested that Dhawan has signed the deal with Delhi Daredevils and it is now confirmed that he will be playing for his state team.
Brace yourselves, for he has returned, where it all began!
Welcome Home, Shikhar Dhawan. 🙌#DilDilli #Dhadkega pic.twitter.com/LFGMxs1bEk
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) November 5, 2018
In exchange for Dhawan, the Delhi-based franchise have released Abhishek Sharma, Shahbaz Nadeem and Vijay Shankar. Both Vijay and Abhishek were bought by the Daredevils in this year’s auction while Nadeem has been a part of the franchise for few seasons now.
We have traded Shikhar Dhawan to Delhi Daredevils for Vijay Shankar, Shahbaz Nadeem and Abhishek Sharma. We thank Shikhar for his contribution to the team over the years and wish him the very best. pic.twitter.com/oEqwJ61yw1
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) November 5, 2018
“We have traded Shikhar Dhawan to Delhi Daredevils for Vijay Shankar, Shahbhaz Nadeem and Abhishek Sharma. We thank Shikhar for his contribution to the team over the years and wish him the very best,” SRH said in the press release.
They also confirmed that the trade was made due to financial reasons. According to the statement, Dhawan was unhappy with the amount he was bought for in the auction and in the best interest of both the parties, the decision to trade was made.
“It is with a heavy heart to announce that one of our long-standing players Shikhar Dhawan will be moving to another franchise in 2019,” the press release said. “The Sunrisers were delighted to pick up Shikhar in the auction after using one of its RTM (right to match) cards earlier in the year. Unfortunately, it has become apparent that the player has been unsettled ever since with the amount he was bought for in the auction, which unfortunately we cannot rectify due to IPL rules. The franchise has made the decision to trade Shikhar as they feel it is best for both parties. The Sunrisers values the great contribution that Shikhar has made over the years and saddened that due to financial reasons he feels it’s time to move on. We wish him and his family all the best.”
Dhawan started off his IPL career with Delhi Daredevils in 2008. He moved to Mumbai Indians after just one season with the Daredevils and spent two years there before playing for Deccan Chargers for a year and then moving on to join Sunrisers Hyderabad.
He was given the captaincy role by SRH in 2014 and is the franchise’s highest run-scorer with 2768 runs at an average of 35.03 with a strike rate of 125.13. In his first season with Delhi, he scored 340 runs at an average of 37.77.
