New Delhi: Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 will begin on 9 April, 2021 at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. Delhi Capitals (DC) announced Rishabh Pant as their Captain for the 2021 season due to the injury to Shreyas Iyer. Iyer is supposed to undergo a surgery on 8th April on his left shoulder after he was injured during the India vs England ODI series. He has been ruled out of the entire IPL this year. Thus, DC have named Rishabh Pant as the replacement to Shreyas Iyer.
Delhi Capitals announced this on Twitter on Tuesday. Their official handle tweeted: “Rishabh Pant will be our Captain for #IPL2021
@ShreyasIyer15 has been ruled out of the upcoming season following his injury in the #INDvENG series and @RishabhPant17 will lead the team in his absence”
“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,” Pant said after being appointed as captain.
Rishabh Pant wll be looking forward to working with one of the best in business, Ricky Ponting. The DC head coach said: “The previous two seasons under Shreyas’ leadership have been incredible, and the results speak for themselves. This is a tremendous opportunity for young Rishabh, who is coming off successful stints against Australia and England which will no doubt give him the confidence needed to take on a new role that comes with a lot more responsibility. The coaching group is excited to work with him, and we can’t wait for the season to get started.”
Delhi Capitals’ owners also showed confidence in their original captain, Shreyas Iyer. DC Chairman & Co-owner Mr Kiran Kumar Grandhi said in a press release that, ““Under Shreyas’ captaincy, our team reached newer heights, and he is going to be missed immensely. In his absence, the franchise has collectively picked Rishabh to lead the team this year. While it has come under unfortunate circumstances, it is a tremendous opportunity for him to grow further. I wish him all the best in his new role.”
Pant was born in Delhi and a 23-year old Delhi boy leading the Delhi Capitals side would bring in new energy in the squad. Pant’s first match as Captain will be against Chennai Super Kings on 10 April at the Wankhade Stadim.