IPL 2021: “He’s that sort of a person who likes the responsibility” – Ricky Ponting expresses excitement about Rishabh Pant’s captaincy


IPL 2021: “He’s that sort of a person who likes the responsibility” – Ricky Ponting expresses excitement about Rishabh Pant’s captaincy

Ricky Ponting and Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is all set to begin his tenure as the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) captain after being appointed to the role following regular skipper Shreyas Iyer‘s shoulder injury ruled him out of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The latter suffered the injury during India’s ODI series against England and the same ruled him out which made DC search for a new captain. They zeroed in on the young Pant who is in the form of his life.

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The 23-year-old has been in terrific form of late ever since the last IPL ended. After a scintillating red-ball series against Australia where he was the architect of a famous series win, the wicket-keeper batsman carried the form into India’s home series against England as well. Pant then returned to the white-ball scheme of things and shone there as well, before the news of his appointment as captain of DC came in.

Ricky Ponting heaps praise on Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant

Delhi Capitals’ head-coach Ricky Ponting released a statement about his thoughts on Rishabh Pant taking over captaincy. “I think extra responsibility is going to sit really well with him. He’s that sort of a person who likes the responsibility, wants to be the main man and wants to be the leader, so I am really excited to see how he goes. We’ll help him through, but honestly, I don’t think he’s going to need much help at all,” he said.

“I have known how talented Rishabh is since the moment I laid eyes on him. When he got back into the Test squad in Australia, I actually made a comment before a ball was bowled in the second Test match that this will be the unearthing of a 15-year Test player for India. I think he’s on track for doing that. His cricket in the last six-seven months has been nothing short of breathtaking and outstanding,” Ponting added.

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Speaking about the coaching staff’s job in getting the most out of him, Ponting said, “I think if we can get most of the talking with Rishabh about his captaincy done leading into the first game then we don’t have to worry about it as the tournament starts. It’s a big part of my job, and other coaches and senior players’ job to get behind Rishabh and help him where they need to. Not only during training, but during matches as well.”

Delhi Capitals open their IPL 2021 campaign against the Chennai Super Kings on the 10th of April.

Also Read: IPL 2021: Brad Hogg predicts Mumbai Indians’ playing XI ahead of 14th season

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