RCB vs DC: Revealed - Who will lead Delhi Capitals after Rishabh Pant's suspension in IPL 2024

Delhi Capitals (DC) will be without the services of skipper Rishabh Pant in their upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The keeper-batter has been suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in India for one game.

Rishabh Pant has been banned for one game due to the slow-over rate offense. The keeper-batter committed the offense three times and hence was banned for one game. Not only this, he also was fined INR 30 lakhs. He earlier was charged for the slow-over rates against Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.

With Rishabh Pant all set to miss the game Royal Challengers Bengaluru, it made many wonder who will captain the team in his absence. However, Ricky Ponting has confirmed that Axar Patel will be given the responsibility of captaining the team in the match against the Faf du Plessis-led side.

Rishabh Pant missing the game will be a massive miss for Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2024. The keeper-batter has been the best batter for the team in the tournament. He has scored 413 runs in the 12 games that he has played and has been magnificent behind the stumps with the gloves.

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting confirmed that Axar Patel will be captaining the team against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He claimed that the all-rounder is an experienced player and understands the game well. Speaking to reporters, he explained:

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"Axar Patel will be our captain tomorrow. He’s obviously been the vice-captain of the franchise for the last couple of seasons. Very experienced IPL player, a very experienced international player. Very sensible guy, and understands the game very well. He’s really excited about it, to be honest."

Talked about the possibility that Rishabh (Pant) might be banned - Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting further added that they discussed about Rishabh Pant getting banned from the IPL. He claimed that keeper-batter will have his head and added that Axar Patel will be meeting the players so that he is ready to lead the team. He added:

"We started talking about it a couple of days ago about the possibility that Rishabh (Pant) might be banned. He’s got his head around it. We have done our bowlers meetings today, he’ll catch up with all the guys tonight, go through all the plans and make sure he’s ready to lead the team tomorrow."

Delhi Capitals are amongst the teams in the race for the playoffs. The franchise are 5th on the points table and needs two wins to make their case strong for the playoffs. They would be hoping that Rishabh Pant's absence doesn't cost them much.

This will be for the first time, Axar Patel will be captaining the team in the Indian Premier League. The all-rounder has looked in decent touch with bat and ball in the IPL 2024. He would be eager to lead from the front and take his team close to the playoffs.