IPL 2018, Match 26: Gautam Gambhir dropped from DD’s playing XI vs KKR

Few days back, Gautam Gambhir made way for Shreyas Iyer to lead a struggling Delhi Daredevils‘ (DD) unit in ongoing VIVO IPL 2018. At the toss of Match 26 between DD and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Iyer dropped a bomb: Gambhir dropped for Vijay Shankar. The exact reason for Gambhir’s ouster isn’t known, but seems like DD are in search of fresh legs to revamp their IPL 11 campaign. They have only one win from six encounters. In order to qualify for the playoffs, DD need to win 7 out of their remaining 8 games.

Iyer — fourth youngest captain in IPL at 23 years, 142 days — and co. have taken a bold decision to drop former skipper. Gambhir not only struggled to replicate his KKR success with his state side, as skipper, but also failed as a batsman. In 6 matches, Gambhir mustered only 85 runs; including a 55 in DD’s tournament-opener. His form and unsuccessful captaincy may have prompted the team management to take the severe call. We won’t be surprised if the decision is solely Gambhir’s.

After resigning as DD skipper, Gauti said…

“I take full responsibility for the position we are in. And looking at the position, I have decided to step down as captain. Shreyas (Iyer) will take over. I still feel we have the team to turn things around this IPL. It was absolutely my decision. The management didn’t pressurise at all. It was the right time to step down,” said Gauti.

On future in IPL, Gambhir concluded, “I don’t know, it’s too early for me to decide on that. Let me sit down and decide. I have to think where my game goes and I go as an individual.”