Gambhir looking forward to leading Delhi Daredevils

The newly appointed captain of the Delhi Daredevils Gautam Gambhir has time and again proved that he is among the vey best in the world. He has already been at the top of the bunch for World No. 1 ranking in Tests. He also picked up awards at the Castrol Awards for Cricketing Excellence. Next in line are the ICC Awards where he has been nominated for two awards.

Back from the groin strain that kept him out of the tri-series in Sri Lanka, Gambhir is now doing duty for India in South Africa and will then return to lead Delhi Daredevils at the inaugural Airtel Champions League.

On the eve of the Champions League, Gambhir is confident about his form and fitness.

Leading a team is always a player’s dream and more so if the team is like Delhi Daredevils, which is full of star players?

Yes, I do love leading a team. It gives you a chance to strategise and plan for the team as a whole. Otherwise a player generally does that only for himself.

Leading Delhi Daredevils is a great honour. I am delighted at my selection by GMR Sports 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.

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.

What is it like playing without Virender Sehwag at the other end?
I have always enjoyed and learnt playing with Viru. He has been great for me and my career. Just watching and playing with him you learn so much. I have played with him in all sorts of cricket, T20, ODIs, Tests, both at domestic and international level. When we bat together, it is a like a confidence booster for me. I know I have a great teammate at the other end.

When someone like Sehwag is missing from the team, how does it affect the team?
It does affect a lot. But in sport, injuries will take away players once in a while. Any team will miss Viru, be it India or Daredevils. At the same time, it's a perfect opportunity for those who want to show their worth. It is good that he will be back for the Champions League. I am sure he will be hungry and raring to go.

Delhi Daredevils did a great job in the League phase of IPL-2 and then lost in the semi-finals. How did the team or you react?

Naturally we were very disappointed. We felt we had it in us to go all the way. But then this is sport and playing against Adam Gilchrist’s team, it was just not our day.

What are the thoughts on Champions League?
It is an extension of IPL and is going to be held for the first time. Nothing like this has happened in world cricket so far. So it is going to be exciting. The best domestic teams of various cricket playing countries are locked against each other. I am sure the people would love this format and tournament.
For us playing at Delhi’s Ferozeshah Kotla, where most of us learnt our early cricket, will be an incentive to do well. Having said that, it is an open tournament and I expect it to be both exciting and very competitive.