David Warner Regrets Missing Rishabh Pant’s Services for IPL 2023

Newly appointed Delhi Capitals skipper David Warner admits that the Capitals will be missing the services of their regular skipper Rishabh Pant in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023). Pant has been ruled out of the tournament due to the multiple injuries he suffered in the horrific car accident. Since Pant is ruled out, Warner will fill his shoes and lead the Capitals in this year’s IPL.

On Thursday, Delhi Capitals confirmed the appointment of Warner as the captain of the team for the 16th edition of the tournament. The franchise also named Axar Patel as the vice-captain of the team. One of the most successful batters and captains in the history of the league, Warner was bought by the Capitals in 2022 after he was released by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Making an instant impact with the bat, the left-handed top-order batter topped the run-scoring charts for the franchise, scoring 432 runs at a blistering strike rate of 150.52. As far as his leadership skills are concerned, In 69 matches as captain, Warner has won 35 and lost 32 with two being tied. He led SRH to its only IPL title in 2016.

DC’s decision to hand over the captaincy baton to an experienced Warner seems to be the right call. Earlier, a member of the ownership group of Delhi Capitals told Cricbuzz, “David Warner to captain Delhi Capitals, and Axar Patel will be his deputy.”

Warner Upbeat for IPL 2023

Speaking on his new role, Warner said that the team is going to “terrific leader” Pant, and also thanked the DC management for putting their trust and faith in him. The veteran Aussie cricketer further said that he can’t wait to kickstart the new season with a “supremely talented bunch of players” at the Capitals .

“Rishabh has been a terrific leader for Delhi Capitals, and we’re all going to miss having him around. I would like to thank the management for the faith and trust they’ve always shown in me. This franchise has always been home for me, and I couldn’t be more excited to lead such a supremely talented bunch of players. I can’t wait to meet them all, and get cracking,” David Warner said in a statement.

Delhi Capitals will get their campaign underway on April 1 against Lucknow Super Giants after the first match of the 2023 season the day before in Lucknow. After playing their opening fixture away from home, the Capitals will then return to Delhi for their next match against Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. It’ll be an uphill task for Warner to lead the team in absence of Pant. But with his experience and knowledge of the game, DC will be confident heading to this year’s IPL.