IPL 2018: Is Gautam Gambhir's Captaincy in Danger?

The Delhi Daredevils (DD) were very clear about their plans during the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) two-day mega-auction by acquiring Gautam Gambhir. The southpaw is undoubtedly one of the best skippers in the history of the domestic professional Twenty20 league.

The aggressive professional Gambhir had led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to two IPL titles during his seven-year stint. Also, he made KKR a commendable force in the league over the years.

However, the management of Daredevils bought Gambhir with the view of having an experienced captain.

Coach Ricky Ponting and owners went in for talented youngsters and believed that Gambhir could lead them to glory. But five games into the new season, Daredevils won a solitary game so far in the league and are languishing at the bottom of the table.

IPL is the world’s richest league and it will not take considerable time for the management to sack a captain.

The results of the franchise have been poor. Apart from the win in Mumbai, the team was outplayed in almost all their four defeats.

Gambhir had also failed with his bat so far this season. He managed to score a fifty in the first game against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), but since then managed a mere 29 runs in the next four innings.

The pressure of captaincy might be taking a toll on his batting as well. If he is removed from captaincy, who could take the leadership role?

Rishabh Pant:

The talented youngster Pant is one of the most prolific players in this season’s IPL. He is living up to the expectations the expectations. He scored 28, 20, 47, 43, 85 respectively so far and has been the main batsman for his team this season.

If Gautam Gambhir is to depart, Pant could be given the chance to lead the side, reports suggested.

Despite his inexperience, it would be a worthy shot for Delhi Daredevils to take a gamble in the leadership to change their fortunes.

Owing to the speculations, a comprehensive defeat in the upcoming fixtures could be the final nail in the coffin for Gambhir.

However, he might get one more chance in their game against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on Monday.

The struggling franchise is desperate for a couple of wins from now on to compensate their slow start to the league.