Star India wicketkeeper-batter and Delhi Capitals captain, Rishabh Pant is currently admitted to a hospital in Mumbai as he is undergoing treatment for gruesome injuries sustained in a devastating car crash on December 30, 2022. According to an earlier medical report released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the 25-year-old sustained "two cuts on his forehead, a ligament tear in his right knee and has also hurt his right wrist, ankle, toe and has suffered abrasion injuries on his back."
As things stand right now, Pant is likely to be sidelined for at least four to six months. In that case, the swashbuckling left-handed batter will surely miss the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season, which indeed will be a major loss for the Delhi Capitals.
Delhi will feel Pant's absence in more than just one department. The franchise has constructed its squad with Pant at the center of everything. The 25-year-old is their captain, wicket-keeper and one of the best batters. Thus, finding a replacement in all the departments is going to be a hefty task for the Delhi-based franchise.
According to a report in The Times of India (TOI), Delhi are mulling over handing the leadership duties to veteran Australian batter David Warmer, who boasts the experience of leading a franchise in the cash-rich tournament. Warner led Sunrisers Hyderabad to a title in 2016 while his leadership skills have been well documented.
When it comes to filling Pant's shoes in the wicket-keeping department, Delhi are considering Sarfaraz Khan as an option behind the stumps.
"Pant has been the mainstay of the middle-order. Warner has the experience of leading IPL teams. The management will speak to him. The middle-order needs an impactful Indian batter now. Sarfaraz will be asked to keep wickets if the combination asks for it. Meanwhile, the team will be looking for a domestic wicketkeeper or a strong batter," TOI quoted a source as saying.
