Gautam Gambhir has stepped down as the skipper of a Delhi Daredevils. Shreyas Iyer, the young lad from Mumbai is all set to fill in GG”s shoes.
It is to be noted that the team hasn”t been at their best in this edition. They experienced five losses winning their only match at Wankhede, thanks to Roy”s heroics.
Gambhir had a poor outing with the bat in all the six matches as he was able to contribute only 85 runs as an opener.
Earlier in January, he was bought by the Delhi franchise as the Kolkata Knight Riders hadn”t shown any interest in retaining him.
In a press conference, Gambhir said “It is my decision. I have not performed enough and owe the responsibility as the leader,” he said while adding, “I believe this is the right time to step down as there is still a lot of time in the tournament.”
Gambhir has been one of the phenomenal skippers in the cash-rich league as he led Kolkata to two titles in the years 2012 and 2014.
Hemant Dua, the CEO of the squad took Twitter to make this announcement and mentioned :
For all those crying foul about @GautamGambhir let me be clear, he is the finest man, I have met who is passionate about cricket, works hard and is super committed for success of @DelhiDaredevils …his team from the city we all love…#DilDill #DilliDhadkega #VIVOIPL
— Hemant Dua हेमंत दुआ (@inspiranti) April 24, 2018
“I want to thank the management & my coaches for appointing me as the captain of the team. It is a great honour for me,” said Shreyas Iyer on being appointed as the new captain of Delhi Daredevils
Delhi, who dreamt of having a successful homecoming experienced a nightmare as they were bundled by Kings XI sans Gayle.
Statement from Gautam Gambhir:
True, that I’ve stepped down from DD captaincy. Just to clarify it was my call, nothing from the management or coaching staff. I may not be leading from the front but I will be the last man standing for @DelhiDaredevils. No individual bigger than d team. Very much a #DilDIlli
— Gautam Gambhir (Modi Ka Parivar) (@GautamGambhir) April 25, 2018
Shreyas Iyer has been an integral part of the Delhi squad for few years. He scored 958 runs at a better strike rate all of them coming at a better strike rate.
It will be interesting to see the approach of the youngster towards the game.
Dear All continuing where, I left yesterday this decision by @GautamGambhir to step down as #Captain for betterment of the team is legendary. Only the brave can take call like this! Deserves full respect for this decision a first in #India cricket. #TeambeforeIndividual #Respect
— Hemant Dua हेमंत दुआ (@inspiranti) April 25, 2018
Delhi will play their next match against Kolkata night riders at Delhi on April 27th.