IPL 2019: Delhi Daredevils renamed as Delhi Capitals
Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Daredevils has been renamed as Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2019 IPL players’ auctions. The franchise announced the new name at a function, which was attended by club owners GMR Group and JSW Sports, on Tuesday. A new team logo was also unveiled at the function.
The change of name comes after JSW Sports bought 50 per cent stakes in the franchise. Earlier GMR group, a property development company, had successfully bid for the team for a sum of USD 84 million in the inaugural auction of the IPL. A part of the IPL since its inception in 2008, Delhi was fairly successful in the opening two editions of the cash-rich league, making to consecutive semi-finals in the first two seasons. But the North-Indian side has since had more disappointments than happy memories. In the next nine years, Delhi reached the playoffs only once.
Dilliwasiyon, say hello to Delhi Capitals!#ThisIsNewDelhi pic.twitter.com/KFW8f3GIP7
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) December 4, 2018
Delhi, who hit the wooden spoon last season – for the fourth time in 11 editions – has undergone a massive revamp ahead of 2019 IPL auctions. They have released as many as 10 players and traded three more to get Shikhar Dhawan from the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Also read: Jaipur to host 2019 IPL auctions on December 18
Among those released were former DD captain Gautam Gambhir and other top international stars such as Jason Roy, Glenn Maxwell, Liam Plunkett and India fast-bowler Mohammed Shami.
The franchise has also retained 14 players from the previous squad, some of who are dashing left-hander Rishabh Pant, skipper Shreyas Iyer and teenage sensation Prithvi Shaw. They can purchase 10 more players at the auctions, seven of which has to be Indians. Delhi has a purse of INR 25.50 crore remaining for the auctions, which is the second highest remaining fund among 10 teams.
Former Australia captain Rickey Ponting has been retained as the team’s coach, while Mohammed Kaif will join him as his assistant.
Also read: Complete list of players retained, released and traded by IPL teams