IANS

New Delhi, Sep 21: India's dashing opener Virender Sehwag has decided to step down as Delhi Daredevils captain, making way for Gautam Gambhir who will lead the team in the Champions League next month.

Sehwag wanted to concentrate on batting and expressed his desire to step down.

"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. Gautam did a great job of captaining Delhi and also during IPL-2 in South Africa this year. He has shown very good leadership skills and will bring fresh energy to Delhi Daredevils," Sehwag said.

Team owner GMR considered many candidates but found Gambhir to be the most apt leader for the team. Dinesh Karthik has been appointed vice captain.

"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," said Srinivas Bommidala, chairperson of GMR Sports.

Gambhir said it would be a challenge for him to step into Sehwag's shoes.

"I am delighted at my selection by GMR 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 learned. I can always turn to Viru for any advice, as also to the other seniors in the team. We have had great camaraderie on the side and this will help reach greater heights."

B. Vanchi, director of GMR Sports, was confident that under Gambhir the team would be successful.

"We are confident that with Gautam leading the side, and Dinesh Karthik assisting him as the vice captain, Delhi Daredevils will achieve greater success," he said.

Karthik, who led Tamil Nadu with distinction in the Ranji Trophy, said: "It is a great honour to be made the vice captain. I have enjoyed responsibility within the team and we have a great team which can deliver good results".

Squad for the Champions League includes: Gautam Gambhir (captain), Dinesh Karthik (vice captain), Virender Sehwag, AB De Villiers, Tilakaratne Dilshan, Daniel Vettori, Paul Collingwood, Ashish Nehra, Amit Mishra, Dirk Nannes, Owais Shah, Rajat Bhatia, Pradeep Sangwan, Vijaykumar Yo Mahesh and Mithun Manhas.