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Gautam Gambhir, the captain of Indian Premier League (IPL) side Delhi Daredevils, has decided to step down from his position following a string of losses.
The franchise has named Shreyas Iyer as Gambhir's successor for the remainder of the 2018 IPL season. Gambhir will, however, remain a part of the team.
Speaking at a press conference, Gambhir said, "I take full responsibility for the position we are in. And looking at the position, I have decided to step down as captain. Shreyas Iyer will take over. I still feel we have the team to turn things around this IPL."
Gambhir added that he was ‘taking responsibility being the leader of the ship’ and said that his successor Iyer “will do a very good job” as the captain.
In spite of the team’s string of losses, Gambhir seemed optimistic about reaching the Playoff stage, adding that ‘we still need to win seven games, it is absolutely possible’.
Congratulating Gambhir voluntarily stepping aside as the captain, Daredevils head coach and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting said that he had ‘been in this situation many years ago’
“I also fully endorse Shreyas Iyer as the next captain,” Ponting added.
New captain Iyer said that he was ‘loving the responsibility entrusted on him’, even though he was informed on Wednesday afternoon.
Gambhir had played for the Daredevils between 2008 and 2010 before moving to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Under his captaincy, KKR clinched the IPL title twice in 2012 and 2014.
During the player auction in January, Gambhir’s services were bought by Delhi. He was named the skipper soon after, hoping to change the franchise’s fortunes.
The Daredevils currently have just two points off their first six matches, having lost five of them.
The Daredevils’ next match is against KKR on Friday at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi.
More to follow…
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