Rishabh Pant who is currently in the form of his life following big yet brave outings with the bat against Australia and England has now been named the captain of Delhi Capitals for IPL 2021. This comes after Shreyas Iyer suffered a freak injury in his shoulder he sustained during the series against England recently, thus pushing him out of this year’s tournament. Notably, this will be the first time the 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman will lead any side in IPL.
“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,” Pant said in a statement by the franchise.
Cricket fans, who have been going gaga over youngster’s exciting form in the past few months, were pleasantly surprised with the new development and they celebrated the news of Pant turning DC’s skipper with memes.
Rishabh Pant after getting captaincy. pic.twitter.com/t0iXDawEo3— Ashritha (@ashritha_08) March 30, 2021
Ajinkya Rahane, Steve Smith and Ravichandran Ashwin after Delhi Capitals appointed Rishabh Pant as captain for IPL 2021 pic.twitter.com/gUIvzgiuXB— Kuch bhi (@kuchbhiJ3) March 30, 2021
Rishabh Pant is to be the captain of Delhi Capitals. And I suppose Ashwin or Rahane will play the Lieutenant Governor.— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) March 30, 2021
Captain Rishabh Pant in 2027 World Cup final: 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/NoAr8dX8ZY— Faad Dunga BC (@naalaYUCK) March 30, 2021
"Rishabh Pant appointed as the captain of Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021"Pant Right Now : pic.twitter.com/tvtjc2zOHw— Sidhu (@Theflummoxguy) March 30, 2021
#IPL2021 #DelhiCapitalsSteve Smith to Rishabh Pant: pic.twitter.com/LU1at1SjvF
— 2 Slips and a Gully (@srikar_st) March 30, 2021
#IPL2021 #RishabhPant #RP17 How it started How it's going pic.twitter.com/bskx1l9Ure
— Myra (@the_indianstuff) March 30, 2021
#IPL2021Rishabh Pant to lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021 in Shreyas Iyer's absence pic.twitter.com/9vqoUGeSFD— Sudhanshu Ranjan Singh (@memegineers_) March 30, 2021
#IPL2021Presenting you Delhi Capitals new captainRishabh Pant😀 pic.twitter.com/qRSq0isAlC— Shivani (@meme_ki_diwani) March 30, 2021
Rishabh Pant leading DC : pic.twitter.com/TB5bXFIfD2— Savage (@CutestFunniest) March 30, 2021
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals Head Coach Ricky Ponting said, “The previous two seasons under Shreyas’ leadership have been incredible, and the results speak for themselves. This is a tremendous opportunity for 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.”