IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant punished brutally by Delhi Capitals; franchise removes him from captaincy
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A massive update has emerged from the Delhi Capitals management as Rishabh Pant will not be the captain of Delhi Capitals for the IPL 2025 season. Pant is a marquee player of the Capitals and possibly their first choice in terms of retention.
However, the franchise feels that the wicketkeeper-batter is a better performer without the burden of captaincy. If Pant is relieved from the captaincy duties, Axar Patel is the front-runner to replace him for the role. Axar is DC's vice-captain and has also led the team in the absence of Pant.
Rishabh Pant to be removed from Delhi Capitals captaincy?
A source revealed that Delhi Capitals are looking for a new captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League season. The source also mentioned Axar Patel's name as one of those who can replace Pant for the role
"Yes, the Delhi Capitals could be looking for a new captain. There are chances that India allrounder Axar Patel may take over as the new IPL captain or the franchise could be eyeing someone who is captaincy material at the IPL auction," a source was quoted as saying by the TOI.
However, the source confirmed that Pant will continue to be Delhi's top retention despite not being given the captaincy. He added that Pant can be a better performer if he is not burdened with captaincy.
"Pant, though, is set to be the franchise's top retention. It's just that the leadership group at DC feels that he's better off without the pressures of captaincy," the source added.
Pant has been the captain of Delhi Capitals since the IPL 2021 season. The wicketkeeper-batter replaced Shreyas Iyer for the role. Iyer had a great captaincy tenure but the franchise chose to pick the young Rishabh Pant for the role and invested in him.
Delhi Capitals under the captaincy of Rishabh Pant
Under Rishabh Pant's leadership, the Capitals performed exceedingly well in 2021 but they finished on top of the group stage. However, they failed to qualify for the final after losing both the qualifiers.
However, since then, Delhi Capitals have not qualified for the playoffs despite reaching close on several occasions. Pant's performance hasn't been poor under his leadership. He missed the IPL 2023 season due to the horrific car accident that he suffered in December 2022.
Rishabh Pant in IPL 2024
The wicketkeeper-batter made a terrific comeback in the IPL 2024 season and scored 446 runs in 13 matches at an average of 40.54 and a strike rate of 155.40. However, his exploits were not enough to take Delhi Capitals to the playoffs as they finished sixth with seven wins and as many defeats.
According to the reports, Pant recently met with Delhi Capitals management to discuss about his future with the franchise. But the franchise has made it clear that he is on top of their retention list.
Rishabh Pant has been associated with Delhi Capitals ever since he made his IPL debut. The left-hander has played 111 matches in IPL so far and scored 3284 runs at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93. He has scored 1 hundred and 18 fifties in IPL.
