IPL 2018: Gautam Deserves Respect for the Way He Handled the Situation - Ricky Ponting

Delhi Daredevils skipper Gautam Gambhir had resigned from his post with immediate effect after a dismal run for his franchise in the Vivo IPL 11 so far.

In his place, youngster Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the skipper. Gambhir revealed in his Twitter handle that maybe he was trying to do much which didn’t allow them to get the results thus far.

Delhi is having a horrendous season so far and has already lost five matches out of six. Their only win came courtesy an excellent knock from Jason Roy at the top of the order against Mumbai Indians.

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The batting department has been highly inconsistent. Guys like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer haven’t been consistent enough which had led to their downfall. The form of Gautam Gambhir is also a concern at the top of the order. He is due for a big score.

However, after stepping down from captaincy, it remains to be seen whether he continues to be part of the playing XI or gets replaced as per his choice.

It was under Gambhir’s captaincy that Kolkata Knight Riders won the IPL title twice. It was Gambhir who turned the fortunes of Kolkata since the 2011 edition. He was an inspirational leader and always led from the front. The southpaw also boasted of a sensational record as a batsman for the Knight Riders.

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However, he has failed to replicate his heroics in the Delhi Daredevils colours. Following his resignation, Gambhir took to his twitter handle and wrote,

“True, that I’ve stepped down from DD captaincy. Just to clarify it was my call, nothing from the management or coaching staff. I may not be leading from the front but I will be the last man standing for @DelhiDaredevils. No individual bigger than d team. Very much a #DilDIlli,” he wrote.

True, that I’ve stepped down from DD captaincy. Just to clarify it was my call, nothing from the management or coaching staff. I may not be leading from the front but I will be the last man standing for @DelhiDaredevils. No individual bigger than d team. Very much a #DilDIlli

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 25, 2018

Delhi Daredevils coach Ricky Ponting also heaped praises on Gambhir. The former Aussie skipper said it was a brave decision and he should be given due respect for it.

“Gautam deserves respect for the way he handled the situation. He should get credit for what he has done. He’s created an opportunity for one of India’s best young players,” Ponting said.

Ricky Ponting on @GautamGambhir's courageous decision. #DilDilli #Dhadkega pic.twitter.com/uSTtJEAZHz

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 25, 2018