Legends of Sports

Delhi Daredevils have picked Victoria all rounder Glenn Maxwell and South Africa batsman Gulam Bodi in their squad for the upcoming IPL season, in place of Colin Ingram and Travis Birt. Maxwell, 23, has played 14 List A games, averaging 25.44 and has pick up nine wickets at 37.55 in the format. He holds the record for the fastest half-century, off 17 balls, in domestic List A cricket in Australia. He also played 11 first-class matches, a system he's fared better in, and as many Twenty20 games.

"When Aashish and I watched Glenn in the Emerging Players' competition in Australia in July last, we saw him as a player of enormous potential who loves being in the contest," the Daredevils team mentor TA Sekar said. "When we watched him bat, we were reminded of how we had spotted David Warner in 2008. We believe Glenn will play for Australia soon. "Besides being a dashing batsman, Glenn is a solid off spinner and an amazing fielder, with transferable enthusiasm," Sekar said. "A multi-skilled player like him will add immense value to the side."

Bodi, 33, has played two ODIs and a Twenty20 for South Africa. He made his first-class debut in 1996-97 and since then has played 131 List A matches in which he's averaged 32.40. He's also played 64 Twenty20s; averaging 29.29 with a highest of 98 not out. Sekar said he remains a middle-order option. "Gulam was the best available substitute, given that we had to find someone within Birt's base price," he said. "Just the other day, he made a belligerent 90 off 51 balls with seven fours and five sixes for the Lions against the Warriors in the Twenty20 Challenge in South Africa."

Athletic Gears

Delhi Daredevils have acquired Ross Taylor, the New Zealand captain, from Rajasthan Royals. Taylor is the second batsman Daredevils have signed in a trade, with Kevin Pietersen having made the move from Deccan Chargers in the first transfer pane prior to the IPL auction. The shift amount was not disclosed."We all know what a quality player Ross is and we are happy that he will be with us this season," Delhi Daredevils mentor TA Sekar said.

"Besides players like our captain Virender Sehwag and David Warner, we have added muscle to our batting by inducting Mahela Jayawardene, Kevin Pietersen and now Ross Taylor into our fold. Our fans can look forward to some fiery knocks."Taylor was bought by the Royals for $1 million in the 2011 player auction and played just the one season for them. He was picked to be the team's finisher, to give that late-innings kick that sets a winning total or ensures a successful run-chase.

Over 11 innings last season; he averaged 36.20 with a strike rate of 119.07 and a top score of 47 not out, one of six innings in which he stay unbeaten. Taylor is currently out of action with a calf strain that he picked up on the second morning of the only Test against Zimbabwe in Napier in January. He missed the limited-overs games against South Africa but is probable to return to the side for the first Test that begins on March 7.

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Delhi Daredevils appointed Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene as vice-captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League. Delhi Daredevils' Team Mentor TA Sekar said that it was an easy choice to make. "He has an excellent track record as a leader of men and draws huge respect from his team-mates," he said.

Virender Sehwag welcomed Jayawardene's choice as vice-captain. "Viru told us that he would find Mahela's experience as a leader very handy. We are confident that they will bring the best out of the squad this season. That will enable us stay competitive through the season and have the possibility to celebrate Mahela's 35th birthday on May 27," he said.

Delhi Daredevils effectively bid for Jayawardene at the IPL Player Auction on February 4.He has led Sri Lanka in 11 T20 internationals, 102 one-day internationals and 28 Test matches. Of these, Sri Lanka has won eight T20 internationals, 59 one-day internationals and 15 Test matches. Under him, Sri Lanka had reached the final of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

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