Gautam Gambhir left all his fans stunned after he announced that he would step down from Delhi Daredevils (DD) captaincy during a press conference at Ferozshah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi on April 25. Top-order batsman Shreyas Iyer will step into Gambhir’s shoes now.
Gambhir took this decision after the Delhi franchise lost five of their six matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 season, languishing at the bottom of the points table.
While addressing the media, Gambhir said that it was his personal decision and there was no pressure from the franchise.
Dear #DD fans we would like to share @GautamGambhir has chosen to step down as a captain for @DelhiDaredevils a decision taken by him only. We as a franchise salute this courageous call of his, a first in India cricket! A true #dilliwala #Legendary
— Delhi Daredevils (@DelhiDaredevils) 25 April 2018
“It was my decision. I haven’t contributed enough to the team. I had to take the responsibility being the leader of the ship. I feel it was the right time,” Gambhir said at the press conference.
Gambhir, who was bought by the Delhi franchise for R 2.8 Crore during IPL players’ auction this year, also said, “The bell started ringing after the last match which Delhi should have won.”
The Delhi lad, who played for his home state before he joined Kolkata Knight Riders, also said that leaving KKR and coming back to Delhi was an emotional decision for him.
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) 25 April 2018
“Coming back to Delhi was an emotional decision. It was my emotional homecoming and sometimes when get better of you and then you so desperate to turn things around it can actually backfire sometimes,” Gambhir told the media.
“From here in, I will be setting individual goals and hope we turn things around,” he added.
We’re live in a Press conference with @inspiranti @GautamGambhir #RickyPonting https://t.co/EJ3JoZ68XC
— Delhi Daredevils (@DelhiDaredevils) 25 April 2018
Gambhir, however, will be available for selection.
Delhi will next face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 27 at the Ferozshah Kotla Stadium. Delhi needs to win every match now if they want to secure their berth in qualifiers.
