IPL 2023: 'Bhai apna to dil se rishta hai', Axar Patel emotional message to Rishabh Pant

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Delhi Capitals' vice-captain Axar Patel has rolled out an emotional message to Rishabh Pant who is recovering from a fatal crash which he suffered in December. The injury has ruled out the Delhi Capitals captain out of action for an uncertain period of time.

Axar, who has been David Warner's deputy for the IPL 2023 season, in a video message has said that the absence of their "main leader" has created a void in the team. The 29-year-old also gave Pant the assurance that things will be taken care of in IPL 2023.

“I am continuously in touch with him. I told him, 'Bhai dekh, apna toh dil se rishta hai (We have a deep bond). Whether I come to see you or not, I’m there for you," the all-rounder can be heard saying in the video posted by Delhi.

“Our main leader is injured. We will miss you a lot bhai. Recover quickly, we’ll take care of the upcoming season but we’ll always need you. No one can take your place. The entire Delhi team and support staff is praying for his quick recovery and that he returns to cricket soon,” he added.

The all-rounder, who has risen in stature as a cricketer in the past couple of years (both for India and Delhi Capitals), expressed gratitude for his new leadership role in the team. He stated that the vice-captaincy responsibility was a sign of his growth as a senior player.

“I was feeling very good when I joined, met Ricky (Ponting) and everyone else. I’ve been with the franchise for 3-4 years now. It’s a new role for me,” Axar said on being appointed as the vice-captain of the Delhi-based franchise.

“In my view, if you get this role it means you’re growing as a senior player. It matters for all you’ve done for the team. You’re getting rewarded for your performance. I’m excited about it and we know that our team is mostly the same as it has been for the last 3-4 years.

"With Davi(d Warner), my responsibility will be to get the best out of players. We had a practice match but I had only returned today, so the coach asked me not to take any risk and only attend the practice session,” the Gujarat cricketer said.

Delhi Capitals will play their first match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Saturday, April 1.