Kevin Pietersen eager to work with Delhi Daredevils coach Gary Kirsten

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen is confident of taking Delhi Daredevils to their first Indian Premier League title this year. Appointed captain on Tuesday, the 33-year-old power-hitter said that the team has the right combination to overwhelm other teams in the tournament starting April 16 in the United Arab Emirates.

Pietersen joined Delhi Daredevils in 2012 and made an impact with his eight-match outing amassing 305 runs with an average of 61. He was recently bought once again in the auctions in February, for a whopping sum of Rs 9 crores. He will now have to justify his price tag with not just his prolific batting but through his leadership skills as well.

"I feel incredibly honoured to have been asked to captain the Delhi Daredevils in this year's IPL," said the veteran, who was the most expensive foreigner to be bought during the IPL 7 auctions. "We have a fantastic squad with a good blend of youth and experience and a brilliant coaching set up." (Also read: Twiplomacy gets KP Indian visa)

Delhi Daredevils will be coached by former India coach Gary Kirsten. Pietersen said he was looking forward to working with the former South Africa cricketer. "I am very much looking forward to working alongside Gary Kirsten," he said. "We hope to bring our incredible fans a lot of happiness this season."

Happiness has eluded Delhi Daredevils' fans since the inaugural edition of IPL in 2009. Last season was their worst with defeats in their first six matches and finishing at the bottom of the points table (9th). The team, which had batting greats like Virender Sehwag and Mahela Jayawardene, also scored 80 against Sunrisers Hyderabad last year which is the lowest total ever in IPL.

Pietersen does not have the services of Jayawardene and Sehwag anymore but his deputy - Dinesh Karthik, bought at an even higher price of Rs 12.5 crores - and the likes of Ross Taylor, Murali Vijay and Mohammad Shami can surely combine to torment any opposition.