Follow UsDelhi Capitals' head coach Ricky Ponting was confident that Rishabh Pant will lead the Indian team in the future and praised his maturity since taking over as team captain in 2020.
"With some experience in a role like this in such a high-pressure tournament like the IPL, you know, I've got no doubt in years to come there is every chance that Risabh could be international captain. No doubt about it," Ponting said ahead of DC's season opener against Mumbai Indians on Sunday.
Ponting, who played for Mumbai Indians previously, pointed out the similarities between Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant with taking over the responsibility.
"I haven't thought about that actually. But I think they are actually quite similar. When Rohit took over at Mumbai, he was quite a young man as well and he just sort of started out in his international career. He would probably been about 23-24, similar age to what Rishabh over here," he added.
Under Pant, DC reached the 2020 IPL final and made it to the play-offs last season. Ponting said that his job is to help the 24-year old become a better leader.
"It will just keep helping him become a better leader and a better person on a daily basis. There's no doubt that his maturity over the last 12 or 18 months with his play but also with his leadership and captaincy has been outstanding," the Australian batting legend said.
Ahead of the season opener, DC are without the likes of David Warner, Lungi Ngidi and Mustafizur Rahman due to national duty while pacer Anrich Nortje will miss the season start due to a hip injury.
"A lot of teams are in a similar boat to us. We are just pushing forward, making sure our players are well prepared, and well planned. Even with a slightly weakening side, we can get off to a good start," Ponting said.