Rishabh Pant could be a front-runner for Indian captaincy in the near future: Mohammed Azharuddin

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

Published on: Apr 01, 2021

Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin has claimed that attacking wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant could become a front-runner to captain the Indian team in the future. On Tuesday, Pant was confirmed as the captain of Delhi Capitals for IPL 2021 season, with regular skipper Shreyas Iyer being ruled to due to injury. Iyer hurt his shoulder while trying to stop a ball in the first ODI against England.

Taking to his official Twitter account, Azhar wrote, "Rishabh Pant has had such fabulous few months, establishing himself in all formats. It won't come as a surprise if the selectors see him as a front-runner for Indian captaincy in near future. His attacking cricket will stand India in good stead in times to come."

Pant has been going from strength-to-strength in international cricket over the last few months. After playing a stellar role in the Test series win Down Under, the 23-year-old impressed with both the bat and the gloves in the recently concluded home series against England.

Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting has opined that captaincy could actually make the left-hander a better player. "Unfortunate that Shreyas will miss the tournament, but looking forward to seeing @RishabhPant17 grab his opportunity. It's well deserved for his recent performances and he's coming in with a lot of confidence. I'm convinced captaincy will make him an even better player," Ponting said in a tweet.

Releasing a statement after being appointed DC captain, Pant said that it was a dream come true for him. "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.

Delhi Capitals will face Chennai Super Kings in their opening match of IPL 2021 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 10.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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