Delhi Capitals officially announce their captain for IPL 2024 with last-minute leadership change

Rishabh Pant has been officially announced as Delhi Capitals for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Pant's return to the captaincy comes after a challenging period. A horrific car accident in December 2022 sidelined him from the entire 2023 IPL season which saw David Warner leading the DC pack in star wicketkeeper-batter's absence. However, after nearly 15 months of lengthy lay-off, Pant is ready take the field.

Given his leadership qualities and his prior experience as captain, the DC' decision to reinstate Pant as leader comes as no surprise.

“Rishabh Pant will captain Delhi Capitals in the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League. The wicketkeeper-batter is making a return to professional cricket after 14 months, and has been a part of the Delhi Capitals pre-season preparatory camp in Vizag,” DC's statement read.

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Meanwhile, DC chairman and co-owner Parth Jindal also expressed his delight with the appointment of Pant as franchise's captain.

“We are delighted to welcome Rishabh back as our Captain. Grit and fearlessness have always dictated his brand of cricket, and not surprisingly, even his road to recovery. I can’t wait to see him walk our team out once again as we look forward to a new season with renewed passion, vigour and enthusiasm,” Parth Jindal said.

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Pant, a consistent performer for the DC since his IPL debut in 2016, is set for a much-anticipated return after missing the 2023 season due to a serious car accident in December 2022. Pant first donned the captain's hat for the Delhi Capitals in 2021 when regular skipper Shreyas Iyer was sidelined by injury. The franchise even retained him as captain for the following season, leading to Iyer's departure and subsequent captaincy role with the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Pant's absence in 2023 proved detrimental to Delhi Capitals' performance. With veteran Australian opener David Warner at the helm, the team managed only 5 wins in 14 matches, finishing a disappointing 9th in the 10-team league.

However, Pant's dedication to recovery has been remarkable. After a year of rehabilitation, he's ready to make a comeback in IPL 2024.  A strong performance in the tournament could not only solidify his position as Delhi Capitals' captain but also pave the way for him to join India's squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.

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Delhi Capitals' schedule for IPL 2024's first-led:

Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals, Mohali, March 23 - 3:30 PM IST
Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals, Jaipur, March 28 - 7:30 PM IST
Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings, Visakhapatnam, March 31 - 7:30 PM IST
Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Visakhapatnam, April 3 - 7:30 PM IST
Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals, Mumbai, April 7 - 3:30 PM IST

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