The JSW-GMR co-owned Delhi Capitals announced that Australian batter David Warner will be the captain for the upcoming season of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL), which kicks off on March 31, 2023. The Delhi team will take on Lucknow Super Giants in their season opener in an away game on April 1.
Warner steps in as skipper for Rishabh Pant, who is currently recovering following serious injuries suffered in a road accident last year. All-rounder Axar Patel has been named the team’s Vice Captain. The franchise also announced former India captain Sourav Ganguly as its Director of Cricket.
Speaking on his new role, Warner said, “Rishabh has been a terrific leader for Delhi Capitals, and we’re all going to miss having him around. 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!”
Warner made his IPL debut with Delhi but switched to Hyderabad in 2014. Under his leadership, the Hyderabad team were declared winners in 2016, however, Warner made a comeback to Delhi in 2021, following a fallout with the Hyderabad team management.
Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly said, “I’m excited to be back with the Delhi Capitals. 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.” Ganguly has been associated with Delhi Capitals in the past too, in the role of mentor, during the 2019 season.
