IPL 2023: You cannot replace Rishabh Pant, no player like him in world - Lalit Yadav

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Delhi Capitals all-rounder Lalit Yadav took no time in admitting that team's regular captain Rishabh Pant was irreplaceable as there was no player like him in the world. Notably, Pant has been ruled out of the IPL 2023 because of the multiple injuries he suffered after a fatal car crash.

The 26-year-old stated that the team overall looks a well balanced one but a substitute for the wicketkeeper-batter will have to be found because of the unprecedented situations Delhi have found themselves in. England wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt and Sarfaraz Khan are one of the likely replacements for Pant.

"Team is looking balanced but the absence of Rishabh Pant will be felt. The pre-IPL camps will decide a lot of things. You cannot replace Rishabh Pant. You cannot get a player like Rishabh Pant in the world. But the situation is such that we have to find a substitute.

Lots of learning from Rishabh Pant. I pray that he gets well soon and is back to playing cricket," Lalit, who has played 19 IPL matches to score 229 runs at an average of 25.44, and pick eight wickets, said while interacting with Mykhel during 'Empress Cricket League in Gurugram' last month.

IPL 2023: Watched Ganguly leading before Mahi - Lalit

Further, the Delhi star also talked about his learnings from Sourav Ganguly - Delhi Capitals' director of cricket. He said that he has idealised the former India captain since his childhood days and is excited to learn from him this season.

"Learning a lot from Dada. We had two camps in Kolkata. We had a good conversation on how can I become better as a player and departments where I should improve. He is really good, I have idealised him since childhood. Before Mahi bhai, I watched him lead the team, his aggressive approach. I am very excited, will get to learn a lot from him this season," Lalit said.

Delhi Capitals will be led by David Warner in the IPL 2023 and they face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their first match of the season on April 1.