Gautam Gambhir to lead Delhi Daredevils; Sehwag wants to step down
Gautam Gambhir, Delhi Daredevils’ star opening batsman, will be the captain of the team from the Champions League starting next month. This change follows a request from Virender Sehwag to GMR to step down from the captaincy of the team. GMR started a process of selecting a new captain in which several candidates based on their experience and track record were considered, and after careful deliberation closed in on Gambhir as the next leader.
Gautam Gambhir, Delhi Daredevils’ star opening batsman, will be the captain of the team from the Champions League starting next month. This change follows a request from Virender Sehwag to GMR to step down from the captaincy of the team. GMR started a process of selecting a new captain in which several candidates based on their experience and track record were considered, and after careful deliberation closed in on Gambhir as the next leader.
“Viru has been a source of great strength and inspiration to the team. When he expressed a desire to step down in order to fully focus and concentrate on batting, we respected his decision and accepted his request,” said Srinivas Bommidala, Chairman, GMR Sports, and a member of GMR family.
Gambhir recently became the first Indian cricketer in six years to be honoured with the Arjuna Award. Dinesh Karthik, who had an outstanding IPL-2 in South Africa, and has been proficient in all formats, ranging from Tests to one-dayers to T20, will be the Vice-captain. Gambhir was Delhi Daredevils’ highest run-getter in IPL-1 with Sehwag being the next best. Karthik had a very successful second season in South Africa.
Bommidala added, “It is an exciting phase for Delhi Daredevils. We have achieved a level of consistency over the past two seasons. And we now look forward to Gautam Gambhir carrying on the good base built by Virender Sehwag. Gautam will be supported by Dinesh Karthik, who has done a great job for us in IPL-1 and IPL-2.”
B Vanchi, Director, GMR Sports, said, “This is like passing the baton. Viru has guided the team in an excellent manner for the past two seasons, and now the leadership of the team has been entrusted to his partner, Gautam. They are the best opening pair in the world in all forms of cricket and Delhi Daredevils are fortunate to have both of them. We are confident that with Gautam leading the side, and Dinesh Karthik assisting him as the Vice-captain, Delhi Daredevils will achieve greater success.”
