IPL 2023: Former CSK player reveals what Delhi Capitals missing in IPL

Add as a preferred source on Google

Delhi Capitals have made a poor start to their IPL 2023 campaign. The Capitals were outplayed in the first match by Lucknow Super Giants, and they play the defending champions Gujarat Titans next.

And ahead of the match on Tuesday (April 4), former CSK player and current commentator Parthiv Patel reckons the factor Delhi Capitals are missing is their captain Rishabh Pant. Pant, who is the designated Delhi captain, is sidelined with injuries he sustained in a horrific car accident last year.

The India international has undergone surgeries and will take at least a few more months to resume his training. Australia opener David Warner has been named as Capitals captain in his absence, but Patel believes the Delhi side are missing their prized asset in not just one way, but three different ways.

"Delhi must have missed Rishabh Pant - the batter, the wicketkeeper and the captain. You cannot replace a player like him," Patel said on JioCinema's post-match show.

"But from Delhi's perspective, they will need to figure out who will come and inspire them after this huge defeat. This will put a huge dent on their net run rate as well," the former CSK and Mumbai Indians player added.

Delhi are definitely crippled without their star player as Pant's multifaceted abilities were a huge factor for Delhi in the past few seasons. The swashbuckling player has been replaced by Bengal keeper Abhishek Porel for this IPL edition.

And the franchise want to involve Pant in some sort of way this season. Their head coach Ricky Ponting recently said he wants Pant to be at the dug out in their home matches, and believes that will be a huge boost to the entire team.

It is to be seen whether the swashbuckling player will be able to attend Delhi's home games, as it will require medical clearance and other permissions.