Injured Iyer out, Pant to lead Capitals in IPL 2021
NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant was on Tuesday named captain of Delhi Capitals in place of an injured Shreyas Iyer for the upcoming IPL beginning April 9.
Iyer has been ruled out of IPL after injuring his left shoulder during the recently-concluded India-England ODI series. “Under Shreyas’ captaincy, our team reached newer heights, and he is going to be missed immensely. In his absence, the franchise has collectively picked Rishabh to lead the team this year,” DC co-owner Kiran Kumar Gandhi said in a release. “While it has come under unfortunate circumstances, it is a tremendous opportunity for him to grow. I wish him all the best in his new role.”
This will be 23-year-old Pant’s debut as IPL captain. The wicketkeeper-batsman has captained Delhi’s state team in the past. “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,” Pant said. “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.”
Pant was one of the architects of India’s historic 2-1 Test series win in Australia in January. He then played a big role in India’s 3-1 Test series win against England, scoring 270 runs from six innings. Pant also returned to India’s white-ball team against England. After a decent outing in the T20 Internationals, he was in cracking form in the ODI series, hitting 77 and 78 in the two matches he played.
Iyer described Pant as the best player to lead the side. “When I sustained the shoulder injury, and Delhi Capitals needed a leader, I had no doubt that Rishabh would be the best man for the job,” he said. “He has all my good wishes to make amazing things happen with our absolutely incredible team. I’m going to miss the team and will be cheering for them throughout.”
Head coach Ricky Ponting said Pant’s success in the series against Australia and England will give him the confidence needed to take on the new role. “This is a tremendous opportunity for young Rishabh, who is coming off successful stints against Australia and England which will no doubt give him the confidence needed to take on a new role that comes with a lot more responsibility,” the former Australian captain said. “The coaching group is excited to work with him, and we can’t wait for the season to start.”
Co-owner Parth Jindal said Pant embodies DC’s passionate and fearless brand of cricket. “There is no doubt that Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and batting will be missed, and we hope to see him back on the field soon,” Jindal said. “Delhi Capitals plays a passionate and fearless brand of cricket, and Rishabh Pant embodies that best. The Delhi team has played an important role in his growth as a cricketer, just like he has played an equally important role in the growth of the Delhi team.”