Delhi Daredevils new skipper Gautam Gambhir has been back on his own as captain of DD, despite the fact that he has faced a few run-ins in state cricket, but now he is hoping that playing in a “peaceful environment” will bring the best out of him. 

Referring to his regular fall-out with DDCA state officials, Gautam said, “It’s fun to be in a peaceful environment and I haven’t had it in the last couple of years. It’s good fun (to be a part of Daredevils) and it can bring the best out of me. It will be good that I will be able to play in a good, peaceful and happy environment.”

Also read: Delhi Daredevils Officially Announces Their Skipper For IPL 2018

Having led a successful franchise like KKR for seven years, Gambhir reckons that one shouldn’t look at impact players like Glenn Maxwell with their massive auction price in mind. During the jersey launch event, he said, “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.”

This is the new look @DelhiDaredevils jersey … inspired from last year but with a #orange swoosh that signifies rising sun … the collars have a cool red band … it’s stylish and sexy … Red is for energy and aggression … blue is for calmness (cool mind) pic.twitter.com/cYXdDCUqOz

— Hemant Dua हेमंत दुआ (@inspiranti) March 7, 2018

He further added, “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. 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.”

Also read: Gautam Gambhir Comes In Support Of Team India

Questioned if it’s difficult to lead a new team which is not his handpicked, the southpaw replied: “It was same when I took charge of KKR in 2011. But in this team, my inputs have been taken. Our CEO Hemant (Dua) got me and Ricky on the same page. When I look at the side, I see there’s a lot of potentials.”

Gambhir also took a dig when a scribe asked the most cliched question about whether IPL could be a vehicle for India comeback. He said, “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 a comeback. You can never win the IPL like that and my aim is to win it for DD.”