The IPL, during the last 4 seasons, has generated buzz round MS Dhoni’s impending swansong. Pant, perpetually touted as Dhoni’s successor in Indian cricket, is prone to match the euphoria as he travels throughout the nation over the following couple of months. His comeback story, if it goes in line with the script, will certainly overshadow the match.
Whereas the BCCI has declared Pant match sufficient to maintain wickets, the Capitals administration has toyed with the concept of easing him into the event minus the burden of retaining wickets. Whether or not or not Pant dons the gloves, his mere presence is anticipated to generate a roar. For as soon as, one may anticipate Mohali, notorious for low turnouts, to see a buzzing crowd on Saturday.
Over the past half a decade, Delhi Capitals’ model has grown with the evolution of Pant. He has been pivotal in turning DC right into a extra constant and threatening workforce. The workforce suffered when he was lacking in motion final season however now he’s again as captain. Head coach Ricky Ponting, for one, couldn’t be happier.
“I’ve seen the place his recreation is at, and don’t be stunned if one thing particular occurs tomorrow. His perspective, smile and what he desires to do for the workforce is infectious. Everybody desires to be like Rishabh,” Ponting mentioned on Friday.
“Make no mistake, we now have bought an amazing workforce this 12 months.” It’s solely pure that there will likely be lots of nerves entering into to Saturday’s recreation.
“He will likely be somewhat bit nervous tomorrow, enjoying his first recreation shortly, however nerves are all the time good as a result of it means one thing to you. The day you aren’t nervous is the day you shouldn’t be enjoying cricket anymore,” Ponting mentioned.
Punjab Kings, who’re the perennial underachievers in IPL, would do effectively the trip the Pant wave and exploit the illusion of uncertainty within the Capitals’ camp.
Right here’s the factor. Each captains — Pant and Shikhar Dhawan — have been happy-go-lucky guys. If anybody will likely be completely unfazed by the Pant wave, it’s Dhawan. Each undertake a ‘enjoy-the-moment’ strategy.
