Delhi Capitals (DC) have been hit with a significant setback as their star wicket-keeper batter and flamboyant captain, Rishabh Pant, has been ruled out of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) due to multiple injuries sustained in a life-threatening car accident.
Last December, while returning to his hometown Roorkee from Delhi, Pant's car collided with a divider. Following the accident, he was airlifted to Mumbai for treatment and underwent surgery on his knee. However, it has been reported that Pant may require another surgery as all three ligaments in his right knee have been affected. The injuries could not only keep him out of this year's IPL but could also jeopardize his participation in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.
Mohammad Kaif, the former India fast bowler, shared a significant update on Pant's recovery status during an exclusive interview with ABP Live on the sidelines of the Legends Cricket League (LLC) in Doha.
"I had a conversation with Rishabh Pant. He is making a fast recovery and is fine now. What happened to him was quite unfortunate. But he is a very strong player, that's why you will soon see him in the Indian jersey," Kaif told ABP Live.
There were reports that talented youngster Sarfaraz Khan might replace Pant as wicket-keeper in the Delhi Capitals squad for IPL 2023.
In response to this question, Kaif said, "Delhi would like to somehow fit Sarfaraz into the playing XI. He is a good batsman and is also in form. But I don't think he has ever done wicketkeeping... Yes, if Delhi is looking at him as a part-time wicketkeeper, then it is a different matter. Also, they have the option of KS Bharat. But Sarfraz has scored a lot of runs in domestic cricket and he deserves to play in IPL. However, it is impossible to find a replacement for Rishabh Pant."
When asked who will captain Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023, Kaif said," David Warner is the biggest contender to replace Pant as captain in Delhi Capitals. He has been a captain in IPL before as well. By the way, Axar Patel is also an option. He has been playing in IPL for a long time. Nowadays franchises want to make Indian cricket captains. Having overseas players as captain is not the trend anymore. Delhi Capitals would definitely like to discuss this."
MS Dhoni Vs Sourav Ganguly: Who Is The Better Captain?
Kaif was asked to answer, who according to him is a better captain between MS Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly. He said, "It was Dada (Sourav Ganguly) who made Dhoni, always supported him. It was Ganguly who took Dhoni into the team and groomed him. I do not believe in comparing players. It was good for Indian cricket that both Dhoni and Ganguly played for the country. First Dada (Sourav Ganguly) came and he supported the players and prepared the team and then Dhoni came and took it forward."
Mohammad Kaif Picks His 'Best Fielder In The World'
Kaif, regarded as one the best fielders of all time, was asked to name the current best fielder in international cricket. He replied, "Ravindra Jadeja is currently the best fielder in the world. I love Jadeja's fielding. I have been following him for almost 11 years. He does not miss catches. His throw is also very accurate. You can get him fielding anywhere. Seeing Jadeja reminds me of myself."