Gambhir to buy a stake in Delhi Capitals?

Former Delhi Capitals skipper Gautam Gambhir might have given up captaincy midway through IPL 2018 after an indifferent start to the season and was released by the team soon after the season ended, but it appears that the left-hander might be back in DC colors, this time as a part-owner.

If reports are to be believed, the former opener, who is now a commentator and a BJP Minister from East Minister, is in talks with the GMR Group and could buy some shares in the team ahead of the next season of the edition.

Currently, 50% shares of Delhi Capitals owned by JSW Group, who paid INR 550 crore in 2018 to become co-owners of the team. The other 50% is owned by GMR Group.

Times of India reported that Gambhir is looking to buy a 10% stake in the side from GMR, and will need to pay them INR 100 crore for co-ownership. He is awaiting a NOC from the IPL  Governing Council to go ahead and sign along dotted lines.

Gambhir, who initially played for Delhi (then Delhi Daredevils) was released in 2011, after which he came onboard Kolkata Knight Riders. Thus started a long and fruitful season for both parties, as Gambhir went on to become one of the best skippers in the league, while KKR tasted success twice in three years, as they clinched the title in 2012 and then 2014.

He, however, made his intention clear of going back to Delhi last season, following which KKR released him. He was signed by Delhi, but poor results as both skipper and player forced him to give up captaincy midway. He was released from the franchise as well. It turned out to be his last season in the IPL.

Recently, Gambhir was in the news after a stand was named after him at the Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi, now renamed the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He also was in the firing line during the series against Bangladesh after he was snapped enjoying jalebis during a commentary stint, ignoring the urgent political meeting that had been planned in Delhi on ways to curb pollution.