IPL 2024: Axar Patel To Lead Delhi Capitals Against RCB

Axar Patel to Lead Delhi Capitals in a must-win match against Bengaluru

Delhi Capitals will see a change in leadership for their must-win match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday. All-rounder Axar Patel will take the captain’s reins as regular skipper Rishabh Pant has been handed a one-match suspension.

The suspension comes after Pant breached the IPL’s Code of Conduct during their previous match against Rajasthan Royals. Delhi Capitals were found to be guilty of slow over rate, resulting in a one-match ban for Rishabh Pant along with a hefty fine.

This news was confirmed by head coach Ricky Ponting in a pre-match press conference on Saturday. Praising Axar’s experience as both a player and vice-captain, Ponting expressed his confidence in Axar‘s leadership abilities.

“He’s obviously been the vice-captain of the franchise for the last couple of seasons. Very experienced IPL player, a very experienced international player. Very sensible guy, understands the game very well. He’s really excited about it, to be honest,” Ponting said about Axar.

The team has already begun preparing for the leadership change.

“We started talking about it a couple of days ago about the possibility that Rishabh (Pant) might be banned. He’s got his head around it. We have done our bowlers meetings today, he’ll catch up with all the guys tonight, go through all the plans and make sure he’s ready to lead the team tomorrow,” Ponting added.

This suspension is a significant blow to Delhi Capitals, especially considering the importance of the upcoming match. The team is currently in the playoff race, making Sunday’s encounter a do-or-die situation.