2021-03-31 14:04:24
Delhi Capitals on Tuesday appointed Pant as the captain of the side for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The wicket-keeper batsman will step in as skipper for the 14th edition of the tournament as regular skipper Shreyas Iyer hurt his left shoulder during the recently concluded India-England ODI series.
Azharuddin, who played 334 ODIs and 99 Tests for India, on Wednesday said he won’t be surprised if selectors see Pant as an option for Indian captaincy in the near future.
“Rishabh Pant has had such fabulous few months, establishing himself in all formats. It won’t come as a surprise if the selectors see him as a front-runner fr Indian captaincy in near future. His attacking cricket will stand India in good stead in times to come,” Azharuddin tweeted.
Rishabh Pant has had such fabulous few months,establishing himself in all formats. It won’t come as a surprise if t… https://t.co/zxOKa5DVyg
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) 1617170826000
Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting also feels captaincy will make Pant a better player. The former Australia skipper also said Pant deserves to lead the franchise looking at his recent performances.
“…looking forward to seeing @RishabhPant17 grab his opportunity. It’s well deserved for his recent performances and he’s coming in with a lot of confidence. I’m convinced captaincy will make him an even better player,” Ponting tweeted.
Unfortunate that Shreyas will miss the tournament, but looking forward to seeing @RishabhPant17 grab his opportunit… https://t.co/LV7QeQsLV5
— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) 1617163737000
On his new role, Pant in a statement said, “Delhi is where I grew up, and where my IPL journey began six years ago. To lead this team one day is a dream I’ve always harboured. And today, as that dream comes true, I feel humbled. I am truly grateful, especially to our team owners, who considered me capable enough for this role. With an amazing coaching staff, and a plethora of accomplished seniors around me, I can’t wait to give my absolute best for Delhi Capitals.”
Humbled at the opportunity to lead the franchise I’ve been part of for the past few years! Thank you @RickyPonting… https://t.co/C4rvidGJ9S
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) 1617175006000
Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2021 campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 10.
