RCB vs DC: "They will miss Rishabh Pant" - Mike Hesson predicts RCB to demolish Axar Patel-led Delhi Capitals

Former New Zealand coach and commentator Mike Hesson has shared his insights on Rishabh Pant’s absence for the crucial IPL 2024 clash between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday, May 12.

Pant, the Delhi Capitals (DC) captain and star wicketkeeper-batter, will miss their crucial IPL 2024 encounter against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday, and Hession reckoned that the Indian star will be really missed by the tourists in Bengaluru.

Notably, Pant has been suspended for one game by the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to maintaining a slow over-rate in match No. 56 of the ongoing season against the Rajasthan Royals (RR). He was suspended for one match and fined Rs 30 lakh for his team's over-rate, breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team’s 20-run win over RR.

Rishabh Pant's suspension is a big blow for DC: Mike Hesson

With the race for the top four heating up, a loss against RCB could severely dent DC's chances of making it to the IPL 2024 playoffs. And the former RCB coach, Mike Hesson, said he is not sure that DC can beat RCB without Pant. He also mentioned that both teams entered the match with confidence.

He said that DC and RCB are both playing very good cricket at the moment, but not having Pant would be a massive loss for them and would make a big difference in the match. He backed RCB to win the crucial match against DC, given their form, high-flying confidence, and fan support in Bengaluru.

Mike Hesson said on Jio Cinema: “Two sides that I think are very confident, you know, heading into this game. So, two games to go, RCB are flying high with four wins. You know, DC, I think, have won three out of the last four. And they are, you know, playing some very good cricket.

So, they will miss Rishabh Pant. I think that is a massive loss. Um, not playing this game, Axar Patel will captain. And for me, that will be the point of difference between the two sides. So, I think RCB will sneak over the line. I think, as I said, they're hugely confident at the moment and they'll be dragged along by that home crowd.”

Ricky Ponting hints at playing David Warner vs RCB

Notably, DC is currently in the 5th spot in the IPL 2024 points table with 12 points from 12 games, while RCB is ranked 7th with 10 points, and they would love to earn two more points at their home ground in Bengaluru on Sunday against Delhi. 

Meanwhile, with Pant unavailable for the RCB vs DC clash, Ricky Ponting mentioned that they might consider an Indian middle-order player as a replacement for the crucial match. He also provided an update on David Warner, saying that the Australian opener missed the last game due to a hand injury but has been training well and might be available for selection.

Ponting also hinted at the possibility of tweaking the bowling lineup to counter RCB's strong top order. He said that DC can play Jhye Richardson as a specialist new-ball bowler to target early wickets against RCB.