Delhi Daredevils (DD) enthusiasts received a major blow on Wednesday (April 25) afternoon after skipper Gautam Gambhir decided to step down from his coveted post, looking at the team’s performance this ongoing eleventh season of Indian Premier League (IPL).
The Daredevils are languishing at the bottom of the table after being defeated on five occasions in the tournament.
Gambhir revealed during the press conference held by Daredevils, that it is the right time to step down, with the team still in the competition.
Delhi Daredevils-retained player Shreyas Iyer has been handed over the captaincy for the remainder of the series, taking over from Gambhir.
“I’ve not contributed enough, and at the same time, the performance of the team. I had to take the responsibility being the leader of the ship,” lamented Gautam Gambhir during the press conference.
Gambhir performance with the bat has been dismal this season, where he scored 85 runs at an average of 17 and a poor strike rate of 96.
“I owe that responsibility, I should as a leader. So I feel it was the right time because we still are very much in the competition,” added Gambhir.
Having lost five out of the six matches, Daredevils need to win at least seven of their next eight games to remain intact in the tournament.
“Therefore, it may be the right time to put my hand up and say, where we stand at the points table,” concluded Gambhir.
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Loving the responsibility given to me: Iyer
With Gambhir out, Shreyas Iyer has been nominated as the future captain of Daredevils. Iyer is now looking forward to the upcoming challenges in the tournament.
“I’m really loving the responsibility given to me. And, also for the faith shown on me. I love facing challenges as I’ve said in my previous interviews as well,” Shreyas Iyer told the media today.
This also means, the likes of Prithvi Shaw now have an opportunity – to bat at the opening slot if Gambhir would miss out in the line-up.
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“It’s a great opportunity to grow personally. And, also take the team to a higher level,” concluded Iyer.
Also, Gautam Gambhir in his latest tweet claimed that he would always be behind the Delhi team.
Further, it was reported that Gambhir won’t receive a salary from the Daredevils this season.