Gambhir to lead Daredevils; Sehwag desires to step down

NEW DELHI: Gautam Gambhir, Delhi Daredevils’ star opening batsman  and  one of the world’s leading batsmen in all formats of the game, 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 Gautam 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 Mr. 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.

“I would like to thank GMR for their understanding  in accepting  my request  to step down  ,” said Sehwag. “Personally, I would like to concentrate on my own batting and contribute to the team. Gautam did a great job of captaining  Delhi and also during IPL-2 in South Africa this year . He  has shown very good leadership skills and will  bring fresh energy into the Delhi Daredevils. ”

Gambhir said, “I am delighted at my selection by GMR as captain of Delhi Daredevils and I am committed to deliver my best. I have always looked up to Viru. He has been a guide and friend for me. It is always difficult to fit into the shoes of someone as illustrious as him .”

He added, “I have led Delhi in the past in Ranji Trophy and we won the title. I have also had the opportunity to lead the Delhi Daredevils  in IPL-2 when Viru was injured. It was an enriching experience and hopefully I can put into practice all that I  have learnt . I can always turn to Viru for any advise, as also to the other seniors in the team. We have had great camaraderie in the side and this will help reach greater heights.”

Mr. 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.”

Mr. 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.”

Karthik, who has led Tamil Nadu with distinction in Ranji Trophy, said, “It is a great honour to be made the Vice-captain. I have enjoyed responsibility within the team and we have a great team which can deliver good results.”

Gambhir, who led Delhi to a superb Ranji Trophy title win in the absence of Sehwag – who was then with the Indian team in Australia - last year, did so again this year in South Africa during IPL-2. Sehwag was not available because of injury and Gambhir led the side in four matches, of which Delhi Daredevils won three.

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.

The Delhi Daredevils squad of 15 for Champions League 2009 is:

Gautam Gambhir (Captain), Dinesh Karthik (Vice-captain), Virender Sehwag, AB De Villiers, Tilakaratne M Dilshan, Daniel Vettori, Paul Collingwood, Ashish Nehra, Amit Mishra, Dirk Nannes, Owais Shah, Rajat Bhatia, Pradeep Sangwan, Vijaykumar Yo Mahesh, Mithun Manhas

Coach/Officials: Coach - David Saker; Manager – T A Sekar; Asst Manager – Aashish Kapoor; Physiotherapist - Justin Steer; Trainer – Rob Walter; Performance Analyst: Trent Woodhill; Cricket Operations: Sunil Valson