Media Release

Apr 12: One of the most watchable teams of the 2020 IPL were the Delhi Capitals. Led by Shreyas Iyer, the side made it to their first-ever IPL final, losing to the Mumbai Indians in the summit clash.

Five months after that runners-up finish, they are back for another IPL, but this time with a difference as Iyer will not be with the team thanks to a shoulder injury which has ruled him out of the 2021 edition. The Capitals had numerous replacement options, but they went left-field and picked an untested tyro. Rishabh Pant has had an exceptional last few months as an India player and the Capitals management perhaps felt that he could carry that momentum to the IPL and appointed him as the new captain.

But one look at the squad and you could wonder whether or not they had other options to lead. In the Indian contingent, there were the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and R Ashwin-players who have led IPL teams in the past- and bring in a wealth of experience.

When Iyer missed the odd game last season, Shikhar Dhawan stepped it and he, too, was an option. Among the overseas players, Steve Smith was a definite option, but he too, was ignored.

That now means Pant has the responsibility on his young shoulders to not just deliver as a leader, but to also ensure that so many world-class players in the Capitals group are kept happy and are given an environment to go out and express themselves freely.

The question that arises then is: should Pant have been such a big responsibility so early? I think no.

One of the reasons why the world has got to see the best of Pant in the last few months is because the Indian team management has let him play freely.

Now, with captaincy on his shoulders, he may not get that freedom and that could be a worry because suddenly, Pant has a lot going on in his mind.

Earlier, he had fewer responsibilities to think about. Now, he has to bat well, keep well, change fields, strategise, ensure the over-rates are maintained and learn to handle the media, in addition to bringing the best out of his teammates in order to get the Capitals performing consistently.

The next question then arises is: Does Pant need so much running in his mind at such an early stage in his career? Once again, I don’t think so.

When MS Dhoni was 23 years old, as Pant is now, he had just made his international debut.

He was appointed Chennai Super Kings captain in 2008, at the age of 26, and by that time, Dhoni had seen a lot of churn and took up the role, knowing how to handle pressure.

Pant is an exciting talent, but I fear the amount of experience that he has currently isn’t as much for him to be leading the Capitals. Hopefully, it does not turn into a decision for the worse for the franchise at the end of the season.

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