Gautam Gambhir has been named the captain of the Delhi Daredevils after Virender Sehwag stepped down from the post. Sehwag had reportedly informed the Delhi management that he wanted to give up the captaincy and concentrate on his batting. As one of Delhi's most prolific batsmen, Gambhir was the natural replacement for Sehwag, not only because of his batting prowess but also his proven record as a leader.
Sehwag will be replaced as skipper by his India opening partner Gautam Gambhir who is expected to retain the role for next year's Indian Premier League. Sehwag has only recently returned from the shoulder injury he sustained during the IPL earlier this year and the 30-year-old said he had stood down to concentrate on his bating.
"I would like to thank GMR (the franchise owners) for their understanding in accepting my request to step down," Sehwag said. "Personally, I would like to concentrate on my own batting and contribute to the team."
Sehwag welcomed the decision to hand the captaincy to Gambhir, adding: "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."
Delhi will play the first match of their Champions League campaign at their Feroz Shah Kotla home stadium against Australian state side Victoria on October 9.