New Delhi: India wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the captain for Delhi Capitals in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in place of the injured Shreyas Iyer, the franchise confirmed in a statement on Tuesday. Iyer, who led Delhi Capitals to the final of the IPL 2020 season, had dislocated his left shoulder during the recently-concluded ODI series between India and England.
On the day Rishabh Pant was announced as their new skipper, members of the Delhi Capitals team undertook their first nets session ahead of the Indian Premier League 2021 that begins on April 9.
The nets, held at the Cricket Club of India here, were also attended by top players like pace bowler Ishant Sharma, batsman Ajinkya Rahane, pacer Umesh Yadav and leg-spinner Amit Mishra. Both Ishant and Mishra are returning after their IPL 2020 season was hampered due to injuries. The two had to pull out. Both are fit with Ishant, who missed the trip to Australia, proving his fitness during the recent Test series against England. He also played his 100th Test during the series.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for the 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 coaching group is excited to work with him, and we can't wait for the season to get started," said Delhi Head Coach, Ricky Ponting.
Delhi Capitals were the finalists last season. They had lost to Mumbai Indians in the final by five wickets. They will miss their regular skipper Shreyas Iyer, who is out due to a shoulder injury sustained during India's first One-day International against England last Tuesday.
While head coach Ricky Ponting is undergoing quarantine, former India batsman and Delhi Capitals assistant coach Pravin Amre took care of the charges on the first day. Almost all the players attending the nets were Indian players.
Delhi Capitals will take on Chennai Super Kings in their first match of the new season, at the Wankhede Stadium on April 10.
