The Delhi Daredevils have appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as its captain for the 2016 season of the Indian Premier League. The announcement was made on Monday.
The 37-year-old fast bowler,who retired from international cricket last year, is presently involved as an analyst with the host broadcaster of the ICC World T20 and had at the time of his retirement said that the 2016 edition of the IPL would be his last one.
Zaheer played 7 matches for the franchise last year and took 7 wickets at an economy of 6.45. He has in the past also represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians in the League.
In his overall IPL career, he has picked up 82 scalps in 77 games at an economy of 7.53. He retired from the international game with 311 wickets in 92 Tests and 282 wickets in 200 ODIs and played a key role in India’s 50-over World Cup triumph at home in 2011.
Reacting to the news, team mentor Rahul Dravid said that Zaheer has always proven himself to be one of the leaders and added that the franchise was proud to have a skipper like him.
“Zaheer has been a leader for a very long time. Anyone who has followed Indian cricket will know the impact Zak 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,” Dravid said.
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