Sehwag: "Yes" to Captaincy!

Explosive Indian opener Virender Sehwag has come out openy and said that he is open to taking up the job as and when required.

"All I had said was that I didn't want to be vice-captain of the Indian team and that it should go to a younger player who can be groomed as captain for years to come. But if an opportunity arises and the team needs it, I can lead the side," Sehwag said.

He is clear that this is not the right to take up the leadership role as Dhoni is doing it well. He likes the job, but only when the management feels it right and for whatever reason, Dhoni is not available.

"Right now, I don't think Dhoni should be replaced as captain but at some stage if something happens to him or he gets injured and I if I am offered the captaincy, I will take it," he told a news channel.

According to him, Gambhir can take over as he has the required talent and skill.

"Gautam has the talent and I have seen and observed him from close quarters. His thinking towards the game is very positive and he has leadership skills also," he said.

Explaining his decision to give up Daredevils' captaincy, Sehwag said, "I have led the team for two years and we reached the semifinals. I feel Gautam should be given a chance to make the team do better as technically the teams only have a year left with the existing three-year contract and this will be the last time."

"After the next year, the teams will look different with another auction taking place," he added. Asked about the status of his shoulder injury, Sehwag said he would be fit for next month's Champions League Twenty20.

"I have been batting for some days and have absolutely no problem but throwing the ball from deep is still an issue. I would be close to full fitness by the Champions League. I will be playing in the Irani Cup before that as I need match practice and hopefully I will make an international comeback against Australia in the ODIs in October," he said

Hope he will be back for the 7-match ODI series against Australia.

Sehwag Quits Delhi Captaincy! Gambhir to Take Charge!

In a surprise move, the Indian dashing opener Virendra Sehwag announced that he wanted to concentrate on batting and hence quit captaincy. He will not be the leader for Delhi Daredevils anymore.

"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.

Though GMR, the owner, tried various options, they decided Gambhir to the apt man for this job. Dinesh Karthick was appointed as his deputy.

"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.

On his selection as captain, Gambhir said: "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.

"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."

So, for the Champions League and the next year's IPL, Gambhir will lead from the front for Delhi Daredevils!
(Image Credit: Internet)