Sehwag gives up Delhi captaincy

Virender Sehwag has stepped down as captain of Delhi Daredevils less than a month before he was due to lead them at the Twenty20 Champions League.

Sehwag will be replaced as skipper by his India opening partner Gautam Gambhir who is expected to retain the role for next year’s Indian Premier League.

Outgoing captain Virender Sehwag said: "I would like to concentrate on my own batting and contribute to the team"

Sehwag has only recently returned from the shoulder injury he sustained during the IPL earlier this year and the 30-year-old said he had stood down to concentrate on his bating.

“I would like to thank GMR (the franchise owners) for their understanding in accepting my request to step down,” Sehwag said.

“Personally, I would like to concentrate on my own batting and contribute to the team.”

Sehwag welcomed the decision to hand the captaincy to Gambhir, adding: “Gautam did a great job of captaining Delhi and also during IPL Two in South Africa this year.

“He has shown very good leadership skills and will bring fresh energy into the Delhi Daredevils.”

Delhi will play the first match of their Champions League campaign at their Feroz Shah Kotla home stadium against Australian state side Victoria on October 9.