Indian Premier League (IPL) team Delhi Capitals on Tuesday sprang a surprise when they named the young wicketkeeper-batsman in Rishabh Pant as their captain for the upcoming edition of IPL 2021, with the regular skipper Shreyas Iyer missing the cricket tournament due to an injury.
The young Indian explosive wicketkeeper-batsman was chosen as the leader of the Capitals’ side after ahead of the likes of former IPL captains Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin and Australia’s Steve Smith to name a few.
“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,”
Pant was quoted as saying by a media release from the Delhi Capitals team.
The appointment of Pant as a captain of Delhi Capitals comes after Iyer dislocated his shoulder during the first one-day international between India and England earlier this month. With his ascension, Pant has now become the fifth youngest captain in the history of IPL tournament after Virat Kohli, Smith, Suresh Raina and Iyer respectively.
Kohli and Smith had become captains of their respective IPL teams at the age of 22 whereas Raina and higher number 23 when they were named captains of their teams.
Iyer said Pant was the ‘best man’ to lead Delhi Capitals in his absence.
“I had no doubt that Rishabh would be the best man for the job. He has all my good wishes to make amazing things happen with our absolutely incredible team. I’m going to miss the team tremendously, and will be cheering for them throughout,”
he said.