DC coach Ricky Ponting has confirmed that Axar Patel will be captaining the side in the absence of Rishabh Pant against RCB on Sunday, May 12. Pant was handed a one-match ban for a third slower-rate offence this season during the win over RR. Axar was named as the vice-captain of Delhi while Pant was still recovering from his injury and David Warner was leading the side
Ricky Ponting backs Axar Patel
Confirming Axar Patel’s elevation as captain for the RCB match, DC head coach Ricky Ponting said the all-rounder is an experienced international cricketer.
“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 who understands the game very well. He’s really excited about it, to be honest,” Ponting said.
Ponting further added, “He’s excited about it. We started talking about it a couple of days ago when there was a possibility that Rishabh might be banned.” The coach expressed confidence in Axar’s ability to lead the team effectively.
The match against RCB is crucial for Delhi Capitals. Both teams have been performing well in the tournament, and the outcome of this match could have significant implications for their standings in the points table.
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Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has confirmed that Axar Patel will lead the side in the absence of Rishabh Pant against RCB. #DelhiCapitals #IPL2024 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/4z0Qr7eyw6
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Ponting acknowledged the challenge, stating, “They’re all tough games in the IPL. If you wind the clock back two weeks, RCB weren’t playing anywhere near their best. And now, they probably played as well as anybody in the tournament.”
Despite the pressure, the team is confident under Axar’s leadership. As they gear up for the match against RCB, the Delhi Capitals are focused on playing their best game. As Ponting put it, “If we turn up and play our best game, then I know that the Delhi Capitals will be very hard to beat tomorrow.”
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