Delhi Capitals (DC) on March 16 (Thursday) revealed that swashbuckling Australian batter David Warner will lead the franchise in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). With Rishabh Pant undergoing rehabilitation after suffering a horrific car accident last year, Warner will take charge of the Delhi-based franchise. Star Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has been named as the vice-captain of DC for IPL 2023.
"Rishabh has been a terrific leader for Delhi Capitals, and we’re all going to miss having him around. I would like to thank the management for the faith and trust they’ve always shown in me. This franchise has always been home for me, and I couldn’t be more excited to lead such a supremely talented bunch of players. I can’t wait to meet them all, and get cracking!” Warner said after being appointed as DC captain.
Pant was involved in a devastating accident when his car hit a divider while he was traveling from Delhi to Roorkee on December 2022. The swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter is currently recovering from the gruesome injuries he sustained during the accident and is expected to remain sidelined for a substantial period of time.
Meanwhile, Warner has a ton of leadership experience both at the international level and in the cash-rich tournament. He led his former franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad to a title in 2016.
“This is a hugely exciting time for the Capitals franchise,” said team Chairman and co-owner Parth Jindal.
“Between the previous IPL and the one coming up, our Capitals family has grown. We’re now the proud owners of a team in the ongoing Women’s Premier League, and have had successful opening seasons at the leagues conducted in South Africa and the UAE recently. In Rishabh’s absence, there couldn’t have been a more apt candidate than David to lead the Delhi Capitals. With him as our leader, and Ricky and Dada (Sourav Ganguly) overseeing all proceedings, I have no doubt that we are going to be the team to watch out for in the competition," he added.
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