NEW CAPTAIN

Gautam Gambhir named Delhi Daredevils captain

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

"It is always great to comeback home, where you stated your IPL career, cricketing career as well." Photo: Delhi Daredevils © Agencies

Gautam Gambhir, who captained Kolkata Knight Riders for seven years in Indian Premier League, was on Wednesday (March 7) named as the new skipper of Delhi Daredevils. The southpaw who played for Daredevils during the first three seasons, returned to the franchise after he was bought for INR 2.8 Crore at the IPL 2018 mega auction.

"It is a huge honour to once again captain DD. To get this responsibility is a way for me to give back to the sport in the city," Gambhir said "I firmly believe that with the players currently involved we have the makings of a very good side. The potential of this group of players is immense and it is now up to us to turn that potential into consistent performances. It is also going to be great to work in unison with Ricky, an absolute champion himself," he added.

The veteran batsman left Daredevils in 2011, with the Knight Riders picking him up for $2,400,000 in the auction. As the captain of the Knight Riders side, he led them to a couple of IPL titles - in 2012 and 2014.

Gambhir also played a crucial role during Knight Riders' 2012 winning campaign by amassing 590 runs at 39.33. Even during last year's IPL, the opener was in fine form, compiling 498 runs at 41.5. He has aggregated 4132 runs in 148 IPL games at an average of 31.78 and a strike-rate of 124.60.

Ricky Ponting, the newly-appointed Daredevils coach, had earlier revealed, on the day of the auction, that the franchise had previously spoken to Gambhir about the captaincy role.

Speaking about the appointment, Ponting noted: "Gauti has been a leader for a very long time. He has always proven himself to be one of the top leaders during his stint with other sides in the IPL. He has a big personality, but it is the drive behind the outward confidence which I think will inspire the rest of the team. He has the respect of the dressing room and the franchise is proud to have him as our captain. I would like to congratulate him on the appointment and wish him, all the very best."

Hemant Dua, the CEO of the franchise, also welcome the move by saying, "I had maintained post the auction that Gauti (Gambhir) has unfinished business with the franchise. He was the second highest scorer during the last IPL. But above all, he is a leader, so this appointment was an easy choice. Both Ricky (Ponting) and Gauti have spoken to each other. I am glad that they are both on the same page."

Daredevils will kickstart their IPL campaign with a game versus Kings XI Punjab at Feroz Shah Kotla on April 8.

© Cricbuzz

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