Gautam Gambhir set to lead Delhi Daredevils

Indian opener Gautam Gambhir was bought by Delhi Daredevils for INR 2.8 crore during the IPL auction in Bangalore today. Gambhir is the most successful captain for Kolkata Knight Riders, having led the side to two titles in his seven-year stint at the gold and purple franchise. A natural leader, Gambhir is set to lead Delhi in this year’s IPL.

The out of favour Indian cricketer said that he was a lot calmer now compared to the 2011 season when KKR snapped him.

“Back in 2011, I remember it was January and the only worry I had was whether I will be picked for the 50-over World Cup later that year or not. It was only on the day of the auction, I had a few butterflies in my tummy. Now, seven years later, I have a broader view to life and cricket,” Gambhir told Sportstar.

Daredevils bid in hard

Delhi Daredevils made some smart buys in the face of all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, Jason Roy and Colin Munro. They had earlier retained wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Chris Morris. The Daredevils are yet to win their maiden title and they will look to place their best bet this time around.

The internet was in for a shocker when KKR didn’t use the ‘ Right to match’ card to retain Gambhir. Later in the day, KKR’s managing director Venky Mysore revealed that it was Gambhir who had requested the management not to bid for him.

Mysore clarifies the matter

“He was very much in our plans for the auctions via RTM. But he had a conversation with us well before. He felt that there might be a different challenge before (him), we don’t know what it was. And (he) requested if we would refrain from bidding from him or using Right To Match. And we said we will never come in the way of anyone’s progress or anyone’s aspirations… We’re sorry to see him go, seven great years,” Mysore said.

.@GautamGambhir likely to lead @DelhiDaredevils in the upcoming #IPL season – Ricky Ponting, Head Coach, DD #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/5Lc8g0vH9O

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) January 27, 2018