Follow UsDelhi Capitals (DC) have suffered a major blow before their crucial clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Their skipper Rishabh Pant has been handed a one-match suspension and a fine of ₹30 Lakh for his team’s slow over-rate against the Rajasthan Royals on May 7.
The Capitals were 10 minutes behind the clock at the start of the final over and had to suffer a fielding impediment in the game then itself by bringing in an extra fielder. Now, with this suspension of their skipper and the highest run scorer of the season, the repercussions of their mistake have compounded.
Pant has scored 413 runs at a stellar average and a strike rate of 41.3 and 156.4, respectively. He was the fulcrum of DC’s middle order and carried the middle overs batting of his team on his shoulders.
This is the third time that DC have committed such an offence in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Hence, all the DC players, including the impact substitute, have been fined ₹12 Lakh or 50% of their match fee, whichever is lesser.
Notably, the DC management filed an appeal against the decision of the match referee to the BCCI Ombudsman, Justice Vineet Saran. Saran conducted the review, called a virtual hearing, and announced that the match referee’s decision was justified and that it stands final and binding.
DC are currently 5th on the points table with 12 points in 12 games and they need to win their remaining two games to give themselves the best chances for qualification.