Nitish Rana, from Delhi, is leading the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2023. This season, KKR has had a mix of results; however, Rana has embraced the captaincy role and so far scored two 50-plus knocks in his tenure. The skipper must not only assign bowlers for a specific over and set up field arrangements but also make sure to use their resources to their fullest and create an enjoyable atmosphere for all teammates. Moreover, to prepare a specific game plan for opponents, they should collaborate with analysts and try to enforce it even in difficult times.
Let’s look at 5 other players from Delhi to lead an IPL team so far:
5) Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag was given an honorable chance to lead the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the inaugural Indian Premier League season of 2008. As the then-Indian vice-captain and an opening batsman, he led his side for six consecutive years, playing a total of 53 matches and achieving a win percentage of 54.72. Though under his captaincy, Delhi managed to make the playoffs three times, they ultimately could not lift the IPL trophy.
4) Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan was one of the most prominent players of the Delhi Daredevils in the inaugural year of 2008, along with Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir. In 2013, he was appointed as captain of the newly-formed SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) side; however, his captaincy and batting performances were below par. He could only win five out of 11 matches in charge before he was removed from the role. He then joined Punjab Kings (PBKS), who have fared better under his leadership – winning two out of their five matches in IPL 2023.
3) Rishabh Pant
In 2016, Delhi recruited the exciting wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant. His attacking style of play made a positive impression on the Delhi management, which led to Pant becoming the vice-captain of the side. Following Shreyas Iyer’s absence, Pant even had the opportunity to lead DC in multiple matches. Two years later, he was appointed as the permanent captain of the team. During his tenure, the Delhi Capitals won 10 out of 17 games while losing six, with one ending in a draw. Pant’s win percentage was an impressive 61.76%.
2) Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is renowned for being the only player in the IPL to be associated with just one franchise – the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). His skill and talent led to him being appointed as their captain in 2013. Despite his impressive batting performance, he struggled in captaining the team and registered a win percentage of 45.71%, winning 64 matches out of 140. RCB managed to qualify for the playoffs on four occasions during his tenure, yet they were unable to take home the title.
1) Gautam Gambhir
In 2010, KKR signed Gambhir as their most expensive player and appointed him as captain. Though the team had two dismal seasons initially, he rewarded their faith by leading the team to IPL victories in 2012 and 2014. Under the leadership of Gambhir, the Knight Riders penned their name in the history books by becoming the only team to win 10 consecutive matches, setting a new record for the longest winning streak in IPL history.