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IPL 2016: Zaheer Khan is the new skipper of Delhi Daredevils

Delhi Daredevils today appointed the left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan as their new skipper for the Vivo IPL 2016.

Zaheer Zaheer

New Delhi: Delhi Daredevils today appointed the left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan as their new skipper for the Vivo IPL 2016. 

Zaheer has been a leader for a very long time. Anyone who has followed Indian cricket will know the impact Zak has had. He has always proven himself to be one of the leaders. Zak has a big personality, but it is the steel, focus and drive behind the outward confidence which I think he will bring to the captaincy and that I am sure will inspire the rest of the team.” team mentor Rahul Dravid said in a statement.

“He has the respect of the dressing room and the franchise is proud to have him as our captain. I would like to congratulate him on the appointment and wish him, and the rest of the squad all the very best.” he further added. 

Dravid also praised the work of JP Duminy, the South African all-rounder who captained Delhi Daredevils in the last season. 

"JP did a fantastic job last season. He will continue to be part of the leadership group. I am looking forward to working with Zak, JP, Paddy (Head Coach) and the rest of the support staff as we build towards this upcoming season," Rahul Dravid added.   

Veteran Indian paceman Zaheer Khan also looked very pleased with the new responsibility of leading the Delhi Daredevils team. 

“It is a huge honour to captain Delhi Daredevils. To get this responsibility is a way for me to get back to the game. I firmly believe that with the players currently involved we have the makings of a very good side, a young side that can surprise people. The potential of this group of players is immense and it is now up to us as players to turn that potential into consistent performances,” Zaheer Khan said in a statement.

Left-arm pace battery Zaheer Khan retired from international cricket in October 2015. He played 200 ODI matches and 92 tests in which he scalped 282 and 311 wickets respectively.