You don’t play a tournament eyeing a comeback, you play to win it: Gautam Gambhir

When Delhi Daredevils bought Gautam Gambhir in the auction (for 2.6 crores), it was almost certain that the former KKR skipper would lead the team. It was made official today (March 7) at the franchise's jersey unveiling ceremony. 

Gambhir, who has had a few run-ins with the Delhi cricket administration (DDCA) in the last couple of years, is happy to be back in a ‘peaceful environment’. He feels that will get the best out of him. 

“It’s fun to be in a peaceful environment and I haven’t had it in last couple of years,” a happy Gambhir said referring to his fall-outs with the DDCA officials. 

Having successfully led KKR for 7 years (which included 2 title-winning campaigns), Gambhir added that it is the players’ performance that keeps them in the playing XI with him included. He said that he needs to perform to be a part of the playing XI. 

“It’s not at all difficult to manage players as it’s the performance that will keep them in the playing XI. And it starts with me. I need to perform to be in that playing XI. And sometimes, it’s not about price tag but about game-changers, who need to be given a longer rope because they can change the game. You don’t expect them to be consistent but you expect them to win 3 or 4 games,” the Delhi opener added. 

He further added that the price tag is not in the players’ hands. The only thing that they can do is perform for the team and be consistent. 

“It’s not about price tag as it’s not in players’ hand. The only thing in players hand is to perform for the team. That’s what’s going to keep him in the side,” the former KKR skipper said. 

On being asked the nth time about his comeback, Gambhir said that he does not play any tournament targeting a comeback, he plays to win the tournament. 

“Every year before IPL, I am asked a standard question as to how important the tournament will be for my comeback. You don’t play a tournament eyeing a comeback, you play to win it. It is a selfish way to think that you are playing a particular tournament for comeback. You can never win the IPL like that and my aim is to win it for DD. If you can make a comeback, then it’s a by-product. As a leader, my thought process can’t be like that,” the southpaw explained. 

The 11th season of the IPL starts on April 7 with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on the comeback team Chennai Super Kings. Delhi Daredevils play Kings XI Punjab on April 8 (afternoon game) at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi.