Zaheer Khan to lead Delhi Daredevils in IPL 9

Former India fast bowler, Zaheer Khan, has been appointed as the captain of Delhi Daredevils for the upcoming ninth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) today.

India’s best left-arm pace bowler ever, Zaheer will be replacing South African all-rounder, JP Duminy, who led the side to a seventh-place finish last season. Zaheer will be playing for Delhi Daredevils for the second successive season this year.

In his role as captain, Zaheer will lead a new-look Daredevils side that comprises of relatively inexperienced players after the team management sought to rebuild the team from scratch with a marked emphasis on youth, in the recent IPL auction.

Speaking after the appointment, team mentor and Zaheer’s former national teammate, Rahul Dravid, said that the fast bowler’s vast experience would help command the respect of the full dressing room.

“Zak has a big personality, but it is the steel, focus and drive behind the outward confidence which I think he will bring to the captaincy and that I am sure will inspire the rest of the team,” he added.

Zaheer had earlier this season retired from international cricket, having played 92 Tests with 311 wickets. He took 282 ODI wickets in 200 matches. He also played 17 Twenty20 Internationals for India.

After getting the role assigned, Zaheer delightedly said, “It is a huge honour to captain Delhi Daredevils. To get this responsibility is a way for me to give back to the game.” Also, this is his first full captaincy stint with an IPL team.

The ninth season of the IPL gets started at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 9.