New Name, New Logo, New Jersey And A New Vision

The franchise, based in the Indian capital and formerly called Delhi Daredevils, has not enjoyed much success. For the last six seasons, it has been finishing in the sixth position, or lower.

- Abhishek Mukherjee

Can a fresh look usher in a change of fortunes for Delhi Capitals?

The franchise, based in the Indian capital and formerly called Delhi Daredevils, has not enjoyed much success. For the last six seasons, it has been finishing in the sixth position, or lower. In 2018, the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as captain—he had clinched two titles with Kolkata Knight Riders — and of Ricky Ponting as head coach — he had one title with Mumbai Indians — promised much, but delivered little. Gambhir stepped down from the side after six matches, and the team finished at the bottom of the points table.

This time, the club has a new name, a new logo and a new jersey. There is a “new vision” too, according to Ponting, and an opportunity for its flamboyant and seemingly fearless captain Shreyas Iyer to turn it around.

The squad is studded with numerous big hitters who can single-handedly influence the course of contests. Besides the local duo of Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant — both India players — Capitals has the experience of South African all-rounder Chris Morris, and New Zealand’s Colin Munro, who has a 14-ball half-century in Twenty20 Internationals — the second-fastest in the format — to his credit.