I'm sure captaincy will take Rishabh Pant's game to yet another level: Mohammad Kaif

Tags: Indian cricket League 2021, Delhi XI, Rishabh Rajendra Pant, Mohammad Kaif

Published on: Apr 02, 2021

Former Indian batsman and Delhi Capitals' assistant coach Mohammad Kaif has said that captaincy will take young wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant's game to the next level. Pant was appointed captain of Delhi Capitals for IPL 2021 after regular skipper Shreyas Iyer was ruled out due to injury. Iyer hurt his shoulder while fielding in the first ODI against England last month. A few days back, the DC management revealed that Pant will lead the side in IPL 2021.

Taking to Twitter, Kaif wished Iyer a speedy recover and also expressed high hopes from Pant as a captain. "Wishing a speedy recovery to @ShreyasIyer15who captained us in our dream run to the IPL final. All the best to our dilli ka kadak launda, @RishabhPant17. I'm sure captaincy will take his game to yet another level," Kaif’s tweet read.

Pant has been in very good form in international cricket in recent times. He won India the Gabba Test with a brilliant 89 not out. On returning to India, he cracked a match-defining hundred in the fourth Test in Ahmedabad. He also scored consecutive 70s in the last two ODIs.

In a Delhi Capitals press release, Pant said that he was looking forward to lead Delhi. "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," his statement read.

Iyer has also backed Pant as the best man for the job. In the same release, he stated, "When I sustained the shoulder injury, and Delhi Capitals needed a leader for this edition of the IPL, 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.”

Delhi Capitals will take on former champions Chennai Super Kings in their first match of IPL 2021 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 10.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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