‘Ab Kangaroo lead karenge national capital ko’ – Fans react as the Delhi franchise appoint David Warner as captain for Indian T20 League

On Thursday, the Delhi franchise appointed David Warner as their side’s new skipper in the absence of star India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who is out of cricket for a few months due to numerous injuries he faced in a car accident last year in December. The left-arm spinner from Gujarat, Axar Patel will be assisting the veteran Australian opener in the upcoming Indian T20 League, which is scheduled to kick off on March 31, after the completion of the Women’s T20 League.

Warner started his Indian T20 League in 2009 with the Delhi franchise, however, he later shifted to play for the Hyderabad franchise. He led the Hyderabad to title back in 2016. Warner was fired from the franchise and eventually made a comeback to the Delhi side, following a dispute with the team management in the 2021 edition. “David Warner (c), Axar Patel (VC). All set to roar loud this #IndianT20League2023 under the leadership of these two dynamic southpaws,” the Delhi franchise wrote.

“Rishabh has been a terrific leader for the Delhi franchise, 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!” Warner asserted in a statement released by the Delhi franchise following the announcement.

I’ve already been involved with the players this time around: Sourav Ganguly

In the last edition of the Indian T20 League, the 36-year-old scored 432 runs in the 12 matches he played for the Delhi franchise at a stunning strike rate of 150.62. He slammed five half-centuries in the 15th edition of the Indian T20 League.

Along with the introduction of new leadership roles, Delhi also made it official that  Sourav Ganguly will be returning to the team as Director of Cricket. Before taking on the role of Indian Cricket Board President, Ganguly was a mentor to the Delhi side.

“I’m excited to be back with the Delhi franchise. My association with the women’s team, and the Pretoria Capitals over the last few months have been fantastic, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming season of the Indian T20 League. Delhi 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,” asserted Ganguly.

Here’s how fans reacted to David Warner’s appointment:

Anna, Let's Take Revenge on @SunRisers , who sacked u from the Captaincy pic.twitter.com/ggMuoAQoXU

— BennyRRRaja (@Dragonpakshi) March 16, 2023

Warra trophy for DC 😂

— Royal challengers Bangalore (@RCB49tweets) March 16, 2023

Amazing🤩

— RUBEN 😎😎😎 (@rubenlal65) March 16, 2023

गई भैंस पानी में

— the Common Man (@propnetwork1) March 16, 2023

Trophy loading then

— ً (@CricNerd_) March 16, 2023

Don't you think this was obvious.

— Neelesh Rikhari 🇮🇳 (@NeeleshRikhari) March 16, 2023

Both DC teams under Australians.

— Apoorv Singh 🇮🇳 (@AddyappApoorv) March 16, 2023

Bhaw bhaw robbed🤢💔

— TOTALKOHLI (@LoyalKohliFan18) March 16, 2023

So Rohit vs Warner, my 2 favourite openers & now against each other as captains 🥳

— ` (@161Chepauk) March 16, 2023

Ab Kangaroo lead karenge national capital ko

— Cric Wizard (@CricWizz_13579) March 16, 2023