Delhi Daredvils captain Gautam Gambhir steps down from captaincy following 5 defeats from 6 matches so far in the 11th edition of Indian Premier League. From now onwards, 23-year old Shreyas Iyer has been handed over the responsibility of leading the side for rest of the season with 8 matches to be played in the league stage.
Delhi started this season with two defeats against Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals. After that, Delhi bounce back with a win against Mumbai Indians but then again followed a streak of defeats. After the win against Mumbai, Delhi faced three straight defeats at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore and once again by Kings XI Punjab in their first home match of the season.
Not just Delhi but Gambhir’s form too has been a matter of concern. His scores from 6 matches so far are: 55, DNB, 15, 8, 3 and 4.
“I take full responsibility for the position we are in. And looking at the position, I have decided to step down as captain. Iyer will take over. I still feel we have the team to turn things around this IPL,” Gambhir said while addressing the media in Delhi on Wednesday (April 25).
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 (@GautamGambhir) April 25, 2018
“Absolutely my decision. I was the one who initiated the meeting (with the team owners). I thought that I haven’t contributed enough and at the same time, the performance of the team… I had to take the responsibility being the leader of the ship. So I feel that it was the right time. We’re very much in this competition. It was absolutely my decision, no pressure from the franchise, they’ve been absolutely sportive about it, sometimes when your conscious says it’s the right time you just take that (call),” added Gambhir.
Talking about Iyer, who will now lead the Delhi side in rest of the IPL 2018 season, said, “I just got the news today afternoon and I wasn’t thinking much about it. I’m really loving the responsibility they’ve put upon me and also the faith they’ve shown upon me. I love facing challenges and it’s a great opportunity for me to prove myself and get the team to the highest level possible.”
