Former Delhi Daredevils (DD) captain Gautam Gambhir has decided to play the remaining of Indian Premier League 2018 season for free. Gambhir’s most recent move came after he stepped down from Delhi’s captaincy owing to team’s poor performance in IPL 2018.
Delhi, who are languishing at the bottom of the points table, will now be led by batsman Shreyas Iyer with immediate effect.
Gambhir, who was bought by the Delhi franchise for Rs 2.8 crore, has scored just 85 runs in the five matches with an average of 17.
“Gautam has decided that he won’t take any salary from the franchise for the season. He will play remaining part of IPL for the Delhi Daredevils for free,” PTI reported, quoting a source privy to the development.
“Gautam is someone who puts pride above everything else. He has been a proud performer. He doesn’t want to take any money and it’s a very personal call. In fact, he wanted to quit just after the KXIP game,” PTI quoted a source as saying.
We’re live in a Press conference with @inspiranti @GautamGambhir #RickyPonting https://t.co/EJ3JoZ68XC
— Delhi Daredevils (@DelhiDaredevils) 25 April 2018
While he is still available for to play in the season, he will take a call on his future only after the IPL gets over.
“I don’t know, it’s too early for me to decide on that. Let me sit down and decide. I have to think where my game goes and I go as an individual,” Gambhir said during a press conference in New Delhi.
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
Gambhir returned to Delhi after spending seven years with Kolkata Knight Riders. He led KKR to lift the trophy in 2012 and 2014 seasons.
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 (@inspiranti) 25 April 2018
Delhi will next face KKR on April 27 at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium. Delhi needs to win every match now if they want to secure their berth in qualifiers.
