Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will have immense responsibility on himself as he prepares to lead Delhi Capitals in the 2021 Indian Premier League. He is replacing regular skipper Shreyas Iyer, who is currently out of the tournament indefinitely after sustaining a partially dislocated shoulder.
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Meanwhile, Pant's opening stint as DC skipper would be against former three-time champion Chennai Super Kings on Saturday, led by legendary former Indian captain MS Dhoni. Notably, Dhoni was his mentor, as he learnt a lot under him during his international stint before the former retired.
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However, Pant is looking to prove a point and plans on utilising his learning against Dhoni in the opening game. "My first match as captain will be against Mahi bhai. It will be a good experience for me as I have learned a lot from him. I have my own experience as a player as well. I'll apply my own experience and the learnings from MS Dhoni and try to do something different against CSK," he said in a release by DC.
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Pant has often deemed to have a striking similarity as Dhoni, as he is slowly being compared to the legend. At the same time, he keeps getting better in international cricket with each passing game. However, Pant has maintained that he wants to create his own identity and does not wish to ride on the legacy of Dhoni.
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"...I am looking forward to making the most of this opportunity. We haven't won a title yet and I will try my level best to get a title this year. We've been playing nicely as a team for the last two-three years and our preparations are going on well. Everyone looks in a great frame of mind. Everyone is giving their 100 per cent and is happy in the team environment, and that's what you want as a Captain," he added.
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Pant also heaped praise on head coach Ricky Ponting, hailing him for bringing in positive energy into the side. "He has been so amazing for us in the last two-three years. He brings energy to the team and as a player when you see your coach and you think this is the man from whom you can learn a lot, then nothing is better than that," he concluded.
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