RCB vs DC, IPL 2024: Who will captain Delhi Capitals after Rishabh Pant's Suspension?

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Rishabh Pant's suspension is a massive blow to Delhi Capitals ahead of their IPL 2024 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday (May 12).

The Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant is handed a one-match ban following a slow over-rate against Rajasthan Royals. The DC bowlers took more than 30 minutes of the regulated 85 minutes time to complete an innings.

This was Pant and DC's third over-rate offence in the IPL 2024, which has resulted in Pant's suspension. Apart from that, the DC captain was also handed a Rs 30 lakh fine, along with fines for the entire team members of Rs 12 lakh or 50 per cent of match fees, whichever is lower.

As Delhi take on Bengaluru in a crucial match, the absence of Pant will be a crucial blow. The Capitals will have to win both of their final two matches to have a chance at playoffs, and Pant won't be playing any part in the first of those two encounters.

As the southpaw is set to miss the RCB clash, there are already speculations on who will be captaining DC in this match. There are a few options for the Capitals for the leadership role. Here are three players who can captain them in the RCB match-

Shai Hope

Shai Hope can be named as the captain for DC for this match. The West Indies batter has experience of international captaincy and can be a handy option for them. Hope has established himself as a middle-order batter in the team, and may have the IPL captaincy experience for a solitary match.

Axar Patel

Axar Patel has been part of Delhi Capitals' leadership group and was the vice-captain last year. The Indian all-rounder is in excellent form and can be the obvious choice for the team management to bank on in the absence of Rishabh Pant.

David Warner

Will David Warner be called up into action for this match? That remains to be seen. Warner captained the Capitals last year, but was scrapped off from the role after Rishabh Pant's return this year. The veteran has lost his place to young Australian Jake Fraser-McGurk, but may be handed a chance to steer the ship for the Capitals.

RCB vs DC: Who will captain Delhi Capitals?

Delhi Capitals team management will be handing the role to Axar Patel for this match, it is now confirmed. The all-rounder is a regular starter and that means the squad balance will be minimally tilted if Axar leads the team for this match.