The Delhi Capitals named David Warner as their captain for the 2023 Indian Premier League on Thursday. Axar Patel has been named the vice-captain for the season. Warner will take over for Rishabh Pant, who will be unavailable for the rest of the season as he recovers from a serious car accident in December last year.
“Axar Patel (c), David Warner (c) (VC). “The #IPL2023 is set to roar loudly under the leadership of these two dynamic southpaws,” DC wrote.
Warner started his IPL career with the Delhi franchise (then Delhi Daredevils) in 2009 but moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad five years later. He led the SRH to a title victory in 2016, the franchise’s only triumph in the tournament to date. Warner was released by the franchise after a disagreement with team management in the 2021 edition and eventually returned to Delhi.
“Rishabh has been a terrific leader for Delhi Capitals, and we’re all going to miss having him around. I’d like to express my gratitude to the management for their unwavering belief in me. This franchise has always felt like home to me, and I’m thrilled to be leading such a talented group of players. I can’t wait to meet everyone and get started!” Warner stated in a statement issued by DC after the announcement.
Warner scored 432 runs in 12 games for the Capitals in the previous tournament, with a strike rate of 150.62. During the tournament, he hit five half-centuries.
In addition to the leadership announcements, the Capitals confirmed the return of Sourav Ganguly to the franchise, this time as Director of Cricket. Ganguly was involved with Capitals before becoming BCCI President; at the time, he was a mentor.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Delhi Capitals. My time with the women’s team and the Pretoria Capitals has been fantastic in recent months, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming IPL season. During my previous stint with the Delhi Capitals, the team performed admirably. I’ve already worked with the players this time, and I’m excited to see them as a group. “Hopefully, we’ll all have a good time in the coming months,” Ganguly said.
