IPL: Gambhir stands down as DD captain, Iyer to lead

New Delhi [India], April 25 (ANI): Veteran Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir has stood down as the captain of Delhi Daredevils after the franchise's disappointing start to the ongoing 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Delhi Daredevils, who finished at the sixth position in the last edition of the IPL, are once again facing a tough road ahead to qualify for the play-offs as they are languishing at the bottom of this year's standings with just one win from six matches.

While confirming the news of his resignation from the post, Gambhir said that he takes full responsibility for the franchise's current situation and believes that it is a right time for him to step down.

"It was my decision. I haven't contributed enough to the team. I had to take the responsibility being the leader of the ship. I feel it was the right time May be I was too desperate to turn things around and that can backfire. It could be the reason. I just couldn't handle the pressure and when you don't do that, you have to own that up as a leader," Gambhir said while addressing the media in the national capital.

As a result, Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the captain of struggling Daredevils for the rest of the season.

Reflecting on his appointment, Iyer thanked the management and coaches for the faith they had put in him.

"I want to thank the management and my coaches for appointing me as the captain of the team. It is a great honor for me," Iyer said.

After seven years of a successful run with Kolkata Knight Riders, Iyer was bought by Delhi Daredevils for Rs 2.8 crore at the IPL player auction for the 11th edition of the league.

The 36-year-old, however, failed to display good results with the new team besides struggling with the bat as he has aggregated just 85 in six matches he played so far.

Delhi Daredevils will now lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium here on Friday. (ANI)