Sehwag steps down as Daredevils captain, Gambhir to lead

New Delhi, Sep 21 (PTI) Explosive opener Virender Sehwag
Monday stepped down as the captain of Indian Premier League
team Delhi Daredevils, which appointed Gautam Gambhir as his
replacement.

Sehwag, who is currently nursing a shoulder injury, cited
his desire to focus on his batting as the reason for stepping
down.

Gambhir will now lead the side in next month's Champions
League Twenty20.

"Viru has been a source of great strength and inspiration
to the team. When he expressed a desire to step down in order
to fully focus and concentrate on batting, we respected his
decision and accepted his request," Daredevils owner GMR's
chairman Srinivas Bommidala said in a statement.

Dinesh Karthik has been appointed Gambhir's deputy.

Sehwag thanked GMR for accepting his request, saying he
would now solely focus on his batting.

"I would like to thank GMR for their understanding in
accepting my request to step down. Personally, I would like
to concentrate on my own batting and contribute to the team,"
he said.

"Gautam did a great job of captaining Delhi and also
during IPL-II in South Africa this year. He has shown very
good leadership skills and will bring fresh energy into the
Delhi Daredevils," he added.

Gambhir, on his part, said he would draw from his
experience of leading the Delhi Ranji team on some while
captaining the Daredevils.

"I am delighted at my selection as captain of Delhi
Daredevils and I am committed to deliver my best. I have
always looked up to Viru. He has been a guide and friend for
me. It is always difficult to fit into the shoes of someone as
illustrious as him," he said.

"I have led Delhi in the past in Ranji Trophy and we won
the title. I have also had the opportunity to lead the Delhi
Daredevils in IPL-2 when Viru was injured. It was an
enriching experience and hopefully I can put into practice all
that I have learnt," he added.

Gambhir said he would also seek Sehwag's advice as and
when needed during his stint.

"I can always turn to Viru for any advise, as also to the
other seniors in the team. We have had great camaraderie in
the side and this will help reach greater heights," he said.

Karthik, who has led Tamil Nadu in Ranji Trophy, said he
would give all he can to the new job. PTI PM
JVN