The Delhi Daredevils were dealt a severe blow on Thursday when it was revealed that Gautam Gambhir will not be playing any part in the next Delhi game against the Chennai Super Kings.

Gambhir was injured in Delhi’s game against Mumbai Indians at the Feroz Shah Kotla, as he was giving the ball a chase and felt a twinge in his leg as he turned to throw the ball.

Gambhir remained on the field for a couple of more balls before deciding not to aggravate the injury. He did not come out to field again during the Mumbai Indians innings and then did not bat when Delhi were chasing a rather stiff 220 as a target.

It is said that though the injury is reasonably serious, it is not yet known when he will be fit to lead the side again. In his place, Dinesh Karthik, who is the vice-captain will be taking over the mantle as the captain. Karthik is also the wicket-keeper of the side.

Delhi lost their game against Mumbai by a convincing margin of 98 runs. They now have two wins from three games and will play Chennai next at the Feroz Shah Kotla.

Going into the tournament, Delhi Daredevils was one of the favourites to lift the trophy, but now share that position with the Mumbai Indians. Boylesports offers 7/2 for Mumbai to win their first IPL, whereas Coral offers the same, 7/2 for the Delhi Daredevils to do the same.

Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings are joint third with offers from Stan James and Blue Square (13/2) respectively, along with Deccan Chargers and Kolkata Knight Riders (both 13/2 at Coral to win the tournament). Punjab and Rajasthan, both of whom are winless so far, are placed seventh and eighth favourite at 14/1 (Bet Fred) and 20/1 (Coral).