IPL 2023: Delhi Capitals name Warner & Axar as Captain & Vice Captain, Ganguly as Director of Cricket

Delhi Capitals on Thursday (March 16) made a few key announcements with regard to the franchise ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season.

DC named Australian batter David Warner as Captain with the opener stepping in as skipper for Rishabh Pant, who is currently undergoing rehab and recovery. Meanwhile, all-rounder Axar Patel was named the team's Vice Captain.

The Delhi-based franchise also announced former India captain Sourav Ganguly as the franchise's Director of Cricket. Ganguly has been associated with Delhi Capitals in the past too, in the role of Mentor, during the 2019 season.

Speaking on his new role, Warner said, "Rishabh has been a terrific leader for Delhi Capitals, and we're all going to miss having him around. I would like to thank the management for the faith and trust they've always shown in me.

"This franchise has always been home for me, and I couldn't be more excited to lead such a supremely talented bunch of players. I can't wait to meet them all, and get cracking!"

Meanwhile, Director of Cricketer Ganguly said, "I'm excited to be back with the Delhi Capitals. My association with the women's team, and the Pretoria Capitals over the last few months has been fantastic, and I'm looking forward to the upcoming season of the IPL.

"Delhi Capitals had done well as a team during my last stint with them. I've already been involved with the players this time around, and I'm keen to see them as a group. Hopefully, we will all have a great time over the next couple of months."

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"This is a hugely exciting time for the Capitals franchise," said team Chairman and co-owner Parth Jindal, on the latest developments.

"Between the previous IPL and the one coming up, our Capitals family has grown. We're now the proud owners of a team in the ongoing Women's Premier League, and have had successful opening seasons at the leagues conducted in South Africa and the UAE recently.

"In Rishabh's absence, there couldn't have been a more apt candidate than David to lead the Delhi Capitals. With him as our leader, and Ricky and Dada overseeing all proceedings, I have no doubt that we are going to be the team to watch out for in the competition."

Team co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi said, "I would like to take this opportunity to welcome David on board as our captain, and Dada back in our franchise again.

"They are among the many reasons to look forward to the upcoming season of the IPL, which also marks the return of fans to Qila Kotla after a three-year gap. Their presence strengthens our team immensely, and we can't wait to see them fill the stands. I wish everyone all the very best for a successful IPL 2023."

The 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League kicks off on 31st March 2023. The Delhi Capitals will take on Lucknow Super Giants in their season opener in an away game on 1st April 2023.