4 times when changing captains mid-season did miracles for franchises in the IPL

After winning two Indian Premier Leagues (IPL) titles with Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi boy Gautam Gambhir reunited with his local team Delhi Daredevils. But that reunion has not worked as DD became bottom-dwellers in his captaincy. Taking all responsibilities for his team's poor performance, Gambhir has stepped down from captaincy on his own accord.

DD management has appointed Shreyas Iyer as their next skipper. While changing of skippers midway through the season is not new to the followers of this fiesta, the results vary hugely. Some prove to be hugely successful while others are regarded as gargantuan faux pas. Here are four instances when changing captains midway did wonders for the teams.

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#4 VVS Laxman to Adam Gilchrist in 2008 (Deccan Chargers)

Adam Gilchirst orchestrated DC's title win in 2009

Many cricket experts were skeptical about the new format of the game when it was introduced. While younger players adapted to it quickly, the aged ones struggled to find their footing in the shortest format of the game. Knowing he is not the best fit to lead a T20 side, VVS Laxman relinquished captaincy in 2008.

Deccan Chargers management then handed the captaincy to Australian wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist. Though DC were the last boys in 2008, Gilchrist was the main architect behind their title-winning run that came just one year later in 2009.

#3 Kevin Pietersen to Anil Kumble in 2009 (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

RCB were just one step from lifting the trophy in 2009 in Anil Kumble's (left) captaincy

Like VVS Laxman, another elegant Indian batsman Rahul Dravid had a tough time leading a team in T20. Hence Royal Challengers Bangalore management was forced to inject fresh blood into the team and they appointed an expensive English batter Kevin Pietersen as their skipper in 2009.

But things did not go as planned, as is the case often in this unpredictable format. Pietersen struggled both with the bat and the captaincy and as a result, RCB were languishing at the bottom of the points table. When Pietersen left for national duties, RCB again turned to a veteran Indian and Anil Kumble was handed over the responsibility. Kumble's reign saw a remarkable upsurge by the team as they advanced to the finals, only to lose against Deccan Chargers.

#2 Shane Watson to Steve Smith in 2015 (Rajasthan Royals)

One Australian (Watson, right) gave his crown to another (Smith, left) and that did wonders for RR

Taking the leadership duties after Rahul Dravid's retirement, Shane Watson failed to inspire his team to victories. When he was injured, the then exciting prospect and Watson's national teammate Steve Smith was handed the captaincy of Rajasthan Royals. The world witnessed the exceptional cricketing knowledge of Smith as Rajasthan Royals embarked on a series of victories after his appointment as the skipper.

Seeing the young man doing a phenomenal job, Watson decided it was high time to leave his seat. Smith took his team to the eliminator, where they were handed a thumping defeat by Royal Challengers Bangalore.

#1 Ricky Ponting to Rohit Sharma in 2013 (Mumbai Indians)

Ponting's (left) decision to give Sharma (right) a chance to lead the side has resulted in 3 title triumphs

Despite having a legend like Sachin Tendulkar in their team, Mumbai Indians management made another legend Ricky Ponting their skipper in 2013. However, Ponting soon realised that it was not his cup of tea and after just six games, he gave Rohit Sharma a chance to step into the skipper's shoes.

It has been a monumentally ebullient decision as Mumbai Indians won the title in 2013, and then twice after that. With three shimmering trophies bracing their trophy cabinet, MI are currently the most successful franchise in the IPL.