IPL 2022: Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni are very different cricketers, but they are both cool, calm, and collected, says new Delhi Capitals assistant coach Shane Watson

Rishabh Pant has put in a lot of work behind the scenes as far as both his batting and wicket-keeping skills are concerned. Since his international debut in 2017, Pant has gone through various phases - some good, some not so much. What has been heartening to see though is that he has stayed true to his natural attacking style of play with the bat. He has also of course received tremendous support from everyone he has been involved with - both at the India and the IPL levels. Most people realised pretty early on that Pant is a s[special talent and they decided to back him to the hilt. With time, Pant has managed to cement his place in the national team, across formats as a playing XI regular. Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson, who at one time was recognised as one of the best all-rounders in international cricket will now get to see Pant up close and personal at the Delhi Capitals IPL camp. Having joined the Delhi Capitals as their new assistant coach, under compatriot and former teammate Ricky Ponting (Head Coach), Watson is excited to work with Pant, who also happens to be the DC captain.

Shane Watson (BCCI/IPL Photo)Watson feels Pant has matured with age and that he can continue to hone his leadership skills under the guidance of two-time World Cup-winning captain Ricky Ponting. The Pant-led Delhi Capitals will open their campaign on March 27 (Wednesday) against Mumbai Indians at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. Delhi Capitals finished on top of the table in IPL 2021 after the league stage. They then lost Qualifier 1 to CSK and Qualifier 2 to KKR. In the 2020 season, Delhi entered the final, but lost in the summit clash to Mumbai Indians by 5 wickets. The Delhi franchise's quest for that elusive IPL title