Gautam Gambhir quits, Delhi’s future is tense
CHANGE OF GUARD Shreyas Iyer new captain as DD languish due to poor run
NEWDELHI: decided to step down,” he announced.
The batsman, Ponting and Dua made it clear it was entirely Gambhir’s decision. The batsman said Monday’s four-run loss to Kings XI Punjab at the Ferozeshah Kotla, failing to chase down a modest 144, “rang a bell”. It was in keeping with Daredevils’ underwhelming efforts.
“I absolutely believe we got the group to turn it around. We still need to win seven out of eight, which is absolutely possible in this format. Teams have done it in the past, we have the capability to do that this year as well,” he said.
“Maybe the only thing I can point out is I was desperate to turn things around. Sometimes you are too keen, it just makes you hard on yourself. Maybe I just couldn’t handle the pressure which came with the position, responsibility I was given.”
TOO OLD FOR PRESSURE
But isn’t he used to IPL captaincy pressure? “Well, when I joined KKR I was 28 years old, now I am 36. Maybe coming back to Delhi was an emotional decision as well, an emotional homecoming. Sometimes emotion gets the better of you and you get desperate to turn things around.”
Another poor year could also lead to a shake-up of the support cast in the team. Dua bristled when asked if he planned to step down, but said he would not hesitate. Who replaced whom: Anil Kumble replaced Kevin Pietersen
Result: Royal Challengers Bangalore reached final and lost Who replaced whom: Virat Kohli replaced Daniel Vettori Result: Royal Challengers Bangalore finished fifth Who replaced whom: Cameron White replaced Kumar Sangakkara
Result: Deccan Chargers finished ninth Who replaced whom: Rohit Sharma replaced Ricky Ponting Result: Mumbai Indians won title Who replaced whom: Darren Sammy replaced Shikhar Dhawan
Result: Sunrisers Hyderabad finished sixth Who replaced whom: Steve Smith replaced Shane Watson Result: Rajasthan Royals lost in Eliminator Who replaced whom: Murali Vijay replaced David Miller Result: Kings XI Punjab finished eighth and last