NEWS
Follow UsDelhi Capitals' Rishabh Pant is set to commence his captaincy stint against mentor Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings and the 23-year-old couldn't be more excited. The swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman was appointed as Delhi's skipper after Shreyas Iyer was ruled out of the Indian Premier League 2021.
The last year's finalist, Delhi will take on Chennai in their season opener on Saturday (April 10).
"My first match as captain will be against Mahi (MS Dhoni) bhai. It will be a good experience for me as I have learned a lot from him. I have my own experience as a player as well. I'll apply my own experience and the learnings from MS Dhoni, and try to do something different against CSK," Pant was quoted as saying in a press release issued by Delhi Capitals.
The effervescent youngster has endured a roller-coaster ride in international cricket, gaining in prominence and respect in the past few months with his gutsy batting and drastically improved wicketkeeping. He often draws comparisons with Dhoni but has maintained that he is aiming for a space of his own even though he does turn to the senior player for advice and mentorship.
Pant, who has scored 2,079 runs in 68 IPL matches, said he would be working hard to give Delhi their maiden IPL title.
"...I am looking forward to making most of this opportunity. We haven't won a title yet and I will try my level best to get a title this year. We've been playing nicely as a team from last two-three years and our preparations are going on well.
"Everyone looks in great frame of mind. Everyone is giving their 100 percent and is happy in the team environment, and that's what you want as a Captain," he added.
Talking about head coach Ricky Ponting, Pant said: "He has been so amazing for us in the last two-three years. He brings energy to the team and as a player when you see your coach and you're thinking this is the man from whom you can learn a lot, then nothing is better than that.
"Hopefully, we will cross the line this year, with the help of Ricky and the whole team."