IPL 2017: DD trio Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada and Angelo Mathews leave tournament
The Delhi Daredevils trio of Chris Morris, Angelo Mathews and Kagiso Rabada have left the IPL in order to prepare for the Champions Trophy 2017. The three will leave their IPL franchise, which is currently in the penultimate spot in the points table, and fly to join their respective squads in preparation for the tournament that starts on June 1.
In 11 matches so far, the Daredevils have managed just four wins, with a net run-rate of (-0.660).
The 21-year old Rabada, who made his international debut in 2015, got his first taste of the IPL this season, and delivered the goods for his side except for a game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad where he went for 59 runs. This will be Rabada’s second major ICC tournament, having featured in the ICC World T20 last year.
Chris Morris has blown hot and cold in the IPL, the reason being he was never properly utilised by the franchise. He invariably saw himself get buried down the order which deprived him of enough chances with the bat, and he returned wicketless in the last three games for his side. One of the most expensive players in the 2013 auctions, he was acquired by the Chennai Super Kings for his all-round exploits, before moving to Rajasthan Royals in 2015, and the Delhi Daredevils the very next year.
Angelo Mathews just couldn’t get going in the IPL this time, playing just three matches, one of which he didn’t get to bat in. He will now return to join the Sri Lanka squad as captain, hoping to lead his side to their first Champions Trophy title since 2002.
More to follow...