"We Have Big Shoes To Fill": David Warner On Rishabh Pant's Absence From Delhi Capitals Team

17.03.2023 - 11:55 sports.ndtv.com

Delhi Capitals' newly-appointed skipper David Warner said they "have big shoes to fill" this IPL season with Rishabh Pant indisposed and vowed to put in extra effort to lift the title in the India star's absence.

Named skipper for the upcoming season in Pant's absence, Warner sent out a special message for the Delhi franchise's regular captain, who is currently undergoing rehab and recovery. "We are motivated every season, but we are motivated even more to lift the title this year in your absence.

We are going to be on the journey of your recovery with you. We are going to send some special messages and hopefully, you can come to one of our games," Warner said in a statement issued by the franchise. "On behalf of the DC family, I would like to wish you all the best and a speedy recovery." In the wee hours of December 30, Pant, 25, miraculously survived after his Mercedes car collided with a divider and caught fire on the Delhi-Dehradun highway while he was on the way to his hometown Roorkee.

Axar Patel will be Warner's deputy. The opening batter added, "I am honoured to be named captain of the Delhi Capitals alongside Axar being named vice-captain.

cricket Delhi Capitals on David Warner Rishabh Pant India Delhi

Following his side's first home game at Arun Jaitley Stadium in four years, Delhi Capitals vice-captain Axar Patel said that he told the team's regular skipper Rishabh Pant, currently recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident last year, that the one-handed-six he hit was for him and it was great to meet the wicketkeeper-batter in the dressing room. Axar also expressed hope that Pant recovers soon so that they can both hit one-handed shots together.

"Will Take Some Time To...": After Delhi Capitals' Two Losses In 2 Games, Axar Patel's Admission

Vice-captain Axar Patel is of the opinion that Delhi Capitals shouldn't be tinkering with too many aspects of their overall game despite twin defeats as it is just a matter of time before things start falling in place. DC went down to Lucknow Super Giants in their opener by 50 runs before being outplayed by defending champions Gujarat Giants by six wickets on Tuesday. Axar added that the Delhi side will take some time to gel together as a unit.

Sai Sudharsan stars as Gujarat Titans power past Delhi Capitals in IPL

Sai Sudharsan's half-century and a whirlwind cameo from David Miller powered holders Gujarat Titans to a six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League on Tuesday.

Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans, IPL 2023: Sai Sudharshan, David Miller Guide GT To 6-Wicket Win Over DC

The inept technique of young Indian batters against top quality fast bowling compounded Delhi Capitals' worries as they succumbed to an embarrassing six-wicket defeat at the hands of defending champions Gujarat Titans in an IPL match in New Delhi on Tuesday. Mohammed Shami (3/41 in 4 overs) and Alzarri Joseph (2/29 in 4 overs) intimidated the Delhi top-order in the first 10 overs while Rashid Khan (3/31 in 4 overs) hardly faced any trouble keeping the batters under check to restrict the home team to a below-par 162 for 8. Despite Anrich Nortje (2/39 in 4 overs)'s best efforts, young Sai Sudharsan (62 not out off 48 balls) anchored the chase calmly with Titans winning their second successive game in 18. 1 overs.

Watch: Rishabh Pant Attends DC's First IPL 2023 Home Match Against GT

Delhi Capitals had a special guest in Rishabh Pant at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday during their first home match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 against the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans. The DC regular skipper and wicketkeeper-batter is currently recovering from injuries that sustained in a car accident late last year. Pant could be seen arriving at the venue in a car and then slowly walked towards the stand. Later, he was photographed watching the match from the stands.

"Baby Steps...": Prithvi Shaw's Special Message As Delhi Capitals Wish Rishabh Pant Speedy Recovery

Delhi Capitals are set to play their first home match in Indian Premier League 2023 against Gujarat Titans at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday. Delhi Capitals' regular skipper Rishabh Pant will support his team playing their first home match from the stands as he is not playing this season due to injuries he sustained in the car accident that he met with last year. Ahead of their clash against defending champions Gujarat Titans, the Delhi Capitals squad sent a special heartfelt message to Pant in a video posted by the IPL Twitter handle.