Delhi Capitals today announced Australian batter David Warner as Captain for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023). Warner steps in as skipper for Rishabh Pant, who is currently undergoing rehab and recovery.
Warner began his IPL career with the Delhi franchise in 2009 (then Delhi Daredevils) but switched to Sunrisers Hyderabad five years later. He captained the SRH to title victory in 2016, which remains the franchise’s only triumph in the tournament so far. After a fallout with the team management in the 2021 edition, Warner was released by the franchise and eventually made a return to Delhi.
In the last edition of the tournament, Warner scored 432 runs for the Capitals in 12 matches at a brilliant strike rate of 150.62. He smashed five half-centuries in the tournament.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Axar Patel has been named the team’s Vice Captain. The franchise also announced former India captain Sourav Ganguly as the franchise’s Director of Cricket. Ganguly has been associated with Delhi Capitals in the past too, in the role of Mentor, during the 2019 season.
Speaking on his new role, David Warner said, “Rishabh has been a terrific leader for Delhi Capitals, and we’re all going to miss having him around. I would like to thank the management for the faith and trust they’ve always shown in me. This franchise has always been home for me, and I couldn’t be more excited to lead such a supremely talented bunch of players. I can’t wait to meet them all, and get cracking!”
Meanwhile, Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly said, “I’m excited to be back with the Delhi Capitals. My association with the women’s team, and the Pretoria Capitals over the last few months has been fantastic, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming season of the IPL. Delhi Capitals had done well as a team during my last stint with them. I’ve already been involved with the players this time around, and I’m keen to see them as a group. Hopefully, we will all have a great time over the next couple of months.”
“This is a hugely exciting time for the Capitals franchise,” said team Chairman and co-owner Parth Jindal, on the latest developments
“Between the previous IPL and the one coming up, our Capitals family has grown. We’re now the proud owners of a team in the ongoing Women’s Premier League and have had successful opening seasons at the leagues conducted in South Africa and the UAE recently. In Rishabh’s absence, there couldn’t have been a more apt candidate than David to lead the Delhi Capitals. With him as our leader, and Ricky and Dada overseeing all proceedings, I have no doubt that we are going to be the team to watch out for in the competition,” he added.
Team co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi said, “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome David on board as our captain, and Dada back in our franchise again. They are among the many reasons to look forward to the upcoming season of the IPL, which also marks the return of fans to Qila Kotla after a three-year gap. Their presence strengthens our team immensely, and we can’t wait to see them fill the stands. I wish everyone all the very best for a successful IPL 2023.”
The 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023) kicks off on March 31, 2023. The Delhi Capitals will take on Lucknow Super Giants in their season opener in an away game on April 11, 2023.