Delhi Capitals (DC), formerly known as Delhi Daredevils, is one of the eight franchises that participates in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team is based in the national capital, New Delhi, and has been a part of the IPL since its inception in 2008. Despite being one of the most consistent performers in the league, the team is yet to win the IPL trophy. In this blog, we will take a look at the history, key players, and net worth of the DC franchise.
History :
The Delhi Capitals franchise was founded in 2008 as Delhi Daredevils by the GMR Group, a conglomerate of companies based in Bangalore. The team was named after the mascot of the GMR-owned Delhi Airport, which is a figurine of a lion called ‘Dilli’. The team’s first captain was Virender Sehwag, and they finished fourth in their debut season. The franchise has since undergone multiple changes in ownership, management, and team composition.
In 2019, the team was renamed Delhi Capitals, and a new management structure was put in place. The team is currently owned by the GMR Group and the JSW Group, and is coached by the former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Under Ponting’s guidance, the team has undergone a complete transformation and has emerged as one of the most exciting teams in the league.
Key Players :
Over the years, the Delhi Capitals franchise has had some of the most talented cricketers in their ranks. Some of the key players who have represented the team include Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Kevin Pietersen, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, and Kagiso Rabada. However, in recent years, the team has built a strong core of young Indian players who have been instrumental in their success.
Shreyas Iyer: The 27-year-old right-handed batsman from Mumbai has been the captain of the team since 2018. He is a talented middle-order batsman and a sharp fielder who has been the backbone of the team’s batting lineup.
Rishabh Pant: The 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman from Delhi is one of the most exciting players in world cricket. He is a fearless batsman who can change the game with his explosive strokeplay and has been the team’s top scorer in the last two seasons.
Kagiso Rabada: The 26-year-old South African pacer is one of the best fast bowlers in the world. He is a wicket-taking machine who has consistently delivered for the team in crunch situations.
Net Worth :
According to Forbes, the Delhi Capitals franchise is currently valued at $76 million (approximately INR 550 crores). The team has seen a steady increase in its brand value over the years, thanks to its consistent performances and the strong fan following it enjoys in the national capital. The team has also secured multiple sponsorships, including a lucrative deal with JSW Steel, which is one of the team’s co-owners.
Conclusion :
The Delhi Capitals franchise has come a long way since its inception in 2008. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and the guidance of Ricky Ponting, the team has emerged as one of the most exciting and consistent teams in the IPL. With a strong core of young Indian players and some of the best international players in their ranks, the team is well placed to make a serious bid for the IPL trophy in the coming seasons.