- 'It is a huge honour to captain Delhi Daredevils. To get this responsibility is a way for me to give back to the game.'
Delhi Daredevils on Monday appointed Zaheer Khan as their captain of the franchise for the forthcoming ninth edition of the Indian Premier League, starting next month.
"It is a huge honour to captain Delhi Daredevils. To get this responsibility is a way for me to give back to the game. I firmly believe that with the players currently involved we have the makings of a very good side, a young side that can surprise people. The potential of this group of players is immense and it is now up to us as players to turn that potential into consistent performances," the former India fast bowler said.
Zaheer had last year retired from international cricket, having played 92 Tests with 311 wickets, whereas he scalped 282 ODI wickets in 200 matches. He also played 17 T20 Internationals for India.
The fast bowler, who has earlier represented Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, will be playing for Delhi Daredevils for the second successive season this year.
"Zaheer has been a leader for a very long time. Anyone who has followed Indian cricket will know the impact Zak (Zaheer) has had. He has always proven himself to be one of the leaders. 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 has the respect of the dressing room and the franchise is proud to have him as our captain. I would like to congratulate him on the appointment and wish him, and the rest of the squad all the very best," Team Mentor Rahul Dravid said.
Dravid also paid tribute to the work put in by last season's captain, South African all-rounder, J P Duminy.
"JP did a fantastic job last season. He will continue to be part of the leadership group. I am looking forward to working with Zak, JP, Paddy (Head Coach) and the rest of the support staff as we build towards this upcoming season," added Dravid.
Delhi have never won the IPL and failed to progress beyond the league stages in the last three seasons.
The ninth edition of the IPL will kick-off on April 9 with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on new comers Rising Pune Supergiants in Mumbai.
