Delhi got the leader it needed, Gambhir is true captain
What's the story
Delhi Daredevils captain Gautam Gambhir has stepped down from his post with immediate effect after the Delhi based franchise succumbed to five losses in their first 6 games. Shreyas Iyer has been named the new skipper and will shoulder the task of reviving the team. Daredevils are currently languishing at the bottom of the table. Here's more about Gautam Gambhir's journey in the IPL.
Poor form
Gambhir has had a nightmare of a season
Gautam Gambhir has had a pathetic season this year. Not just as a captain, but as a batsman as well. The 36-year-old is heading towards the twilight of his career. He has scored just 85 runs in his 6 matches which includes a 55-run knock which he scored against Kings XI in Delhi's opening fixture.
Fading away
Not the same man Gambhir was last year
Gambhir, who led the KKR to two IPL titles, returned to the franchise where he started from. He wanted to bow out from the sport, playing for the city he belonged to. He was hoping to revive Delhi Daredevils' fortunes after they finished 6th on the table last year. But unfortunately, Gambhir didn't have luck on his side.
2 time IPL winner
Gambhir couldn't carry forward his KKR success
After 3 fantastic seasons with the Daredevils, Gambhir was acquired by KKR. He was handed the big responsibility of reigniting the fire after the departure of marquee player Sourav Ganguly. Gambhir turned out to be the missing piece in KKR's puzzle as he led them to IPL glory in 2012 and 2014. He always found the right blend between foreign players and uncapped talent.
IPL great
IPL's fourth highest all-time run scorer
Apart from his captaincy, Gambhir also established himself as one of the best batsmen in the IPL. Despite being out of favour from the national side for years now, Gambhir's ability as a batsman was never in question. After all, he is the fourth highest all-time run scorer in the IPL with 4,217 runs to his name.
Legend
Gambhir still has a lot to give to cricket
In sport, age is a double-edged sword which could strike any time. It is a trade between experience and technical skills acquired through the years against the physical limitations of your body that keeps you going. Gambhir has got that balance wrong this season. Cut him some slack since he is just 36. He surely has a lot of cricket left in him.