Delhi Capitals all-rounder Lalit Yadav has spoken out about the challenges the team will face in the absence of their regular keeper-captain Rishabh Pant, stating that there is no one like him in the world. Pant, who was involved in a car accident in December 2022, is still recovering from his injuries and will not be participating in the upcoming IPL 2023 season. Having played under Pant’s captaincy for two years, Yadav is well aware of the invaluable contribution that Pant brings to the team and how difficult it will be to find a substitute.
Despite this, Delhi Capitals have signed West Bengal wicketkeeper Abishek Porel as Pant’s replacement and also have Englishman Phil Salt as a keeping option. However, Yadav maintains that Pant’s absence will be felt and that the pre-IPL camps will be crucial in determining how the team will fare in the tournament.
Also Read: IPL 2023: Abishek Porel Replaces Rishabh Pant for Delhi Capitals
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has expressed his desire to involve Rishabh Pant with the team in some capacity during the IPL 2023 season, even though he is unable to play. Ponting has been in talks with Pant about attending the team’s home games, and believes that having him in the dugout or change room will be a great morale booster for the team.
With David Warner taking up the captaincy in Pant’s absence, Delhi Capitals will be aiming to win their first IPL title when they kick off their 2023 campaign against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Saturday, April 1. While Pant’s absence will be keenly felt, the team will be hoping to rally together and put in a strong performance in his honor.