The seasoned Gautam Gambhir was today named captain of Delhi Daredevils for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), which will mark his return to the franchise after a gap of eight years.
“It is a huge honour to once again captain DD. To get this responsibility is a way for me to give back to the sport in the city. I firmly believe that with the players currently involved we have the makings of a very good side,” Gambhir said.
Gambhir has had a few run-ins with Delhi's cricket establishment in the last two years but back in the state as captain of Delhi Daredevils, the batsman is hoping that playing in a “peaceful environment” will bring the best out of him.
“It's fun to be in a peaceful environment and I haven't had it in last couple of years,” a smiling Gambhir said referring to his regular fall-out with DDCA state selectors, officials and coach.
In between the two stints in his native, the 36-year-old left-handed batsman led Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL triumphs during a hugely successful tenure.
The two-time World Cup winning player added, “The potential of this group of players is immense and it is now up to us to turn that potential into consistent performances. It is also going to be great to work in unison with Ricky (Ponting), an absolute champion himself.”
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The southpaw was picked by the Delhi outfit for Rs 2.8 crore, and till now has scored 4,132 runs from 148 matches in his IPL career.
Speaking about the appointment, head coach Ponting said: “Gauti has been a leader for a very long time. He has always proven himself to be one of the top leaders during his stint with other sides in the IPL.”
The Australian legend added, “He has a big personality, but it is the drive behind the outward confidence which I think will inspire the rest of the team. He has the respect of the dressing room and the franchise is proud to have him as our captain."
Daredevils chief executive Hemant Dua made the announcement about the former India opener's appointment and also present on the occasion were teammates Naman Ojha and Manjot Kalra.
“I had maintained post the auction that Gauti (Gambhir) has unfinished business with the franchise. He was the second highest scorer during the last IPL. But above all, he is a leader, so this appointment was an easy choice. Both Ricky (Ponting) and Gauti have spoken to each other. I am glad that they are both on the same page,” Dua said.
Having led a successful franchise like KKR for many years, Gambhir believes that one shouldn't look at impact players like Glenn Maxwell with their hefty auction price in mind.
“It's not at all difficult to manage players as it's the performance that will keep them in the playing XI. And it starts with me. I need to perform to be in that playing XI.
“And sometimes, it's not about price tag but about game-changers, who need to be given a longer rope because they can change the game. You don't expect them to be consistent but you expect them to win 3 or 4 games,” Gambhir made his point clear.
“It's not about price tag as it's not in players' hand. The only thing in players hand is to perform for the team. That's what's going to keep him in the side,” the skipper added.
Questioned if it's difficult to lead a new side which is not handpicked by him, Gambhir replied, “It was same when I took charge of KKR in 2011. But in this team, my inputs have been taken. Our CEO Hemant (Dua) got me and Ricky on the same page. When I look at the side, I see there's a lot of potential.”
Gambhir also took a dig when a scribe asked the most cliched question about whether IPL could be a vehicle for India comeback.
“Every year before IPL, I am asked a standard question as to how important the tournament will be for my comeback. You don't play a tournament eyeing a comeback, you play to win it.
“It is a selfish way to think that you are playing a particular tournament for comeback. You can never win the IPL like that and my aim is to win it for DD.
“If you can make a comeback, then it's a by-product. As a leader, my thought process can't be like that,” he said.