IPL 2021: Rishabh Pant Appointed As Delhi Capitals’ Captain For The Season

The Delhi Capitals (DC) have finally announced their captain for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. They have named wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant as their new captain after Shreyas Iyer ruled out for the entire duration of IPL 2021. The JSW-GMR co-owned IPL franchise, made the announcement on Tuesday, March 30, 2021.

Pant will now get his first taste of leading an IPL side. He has only played for Delhi Capitals in the IPL since making his debut in 2016. Notably, the wicketkeeper-batsman has led the Delhi Capitals on a few occasions in the past and was their captain in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament in 2017.

Reacting to the recent development at the Delhi Capitals camp, the co-owner of the Delhi-based IPL franchise, Kiran Kumar Grandhi, hailed Pant’s appointment and extended his best wishes to the Indian southpaw ahead of the new season. Pant is the fifth-youngest captain in the history of IPL.

“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. While it has come under unfortunate circumstances, it is a tremendous opportunity for him to grow further. I wish him all the best in his new role,” Grandhi was quoted as saying.

I Can’t Wait to Give My Absolute Best For Delhi Capitals: Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant had made his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) in 2016, but made a superlative impact in IPL 2018, when he slammed 684 runs with one century and five half-centuries at a strike rate of 173.60, hitting 37 sixes in the process.

“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,” Rishabh Pant said after being named the skipper,” Pant said after his appointment.

Losing Iyer will be a massive blow for DC, who reached their maiden IPL final under his leadership last year. Iyer will undergo surgery on April 8 after dislocating his left shoulder while fielding in the 8th over of the 1st ODI against England in Pune on March 23.