Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
Delhi Capitals captain Shreyas Iyer, who has been in the news after joining Lancashire for 50-over tournament, is doubtful for the upcoming edition of IPL. Iyer became the sixth India cricketer after Farokh Engineer, Murali Kartik, Dinesh Mongia, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly to play for the club in the Royal London Cup.
The 26-year-old star Indian batsman has been officially ruled out of the remaining ODI matches against England. During India's ODI series opener against the Three Lions, Iyer suffered a shoulder injury while making a diving effort. Following the injury, Iyer is likely to miss the initial part of the 2021 Indian Premier League. In case this happens, Delhi Capitals are likely to get a new skipper in the fourteenth edition of the tournament. Who will be the player to lead the side in Iyer's absence? Let’s take a look at the three possible names who can lead DC in IPL 2021.
1. Ajinkya Rahane
Rahane is one of the leading names to be chosen as the stand-in skipper in IPL 2021. The 32-year-old has the experience of leading the side as he has been in the captaincy shoes in domestic as well as international circuit. Rahane led the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals in 2018 season. The Mumbaikar also led Team India in the Test series Down Under recently.
2. Rishabh Pant
Some might agree and some might not, but Rishabh Pant is indeed in contention to take the leadership role in the upcoming season. Pant, who can play a similar role from behind the stumps like MS Dhoni, is someone to be looked up for the captaincy role. He can also play a big role by guiding the fielders and bowlers from behind the stumps.
3. Steve Smith
The new entrant of Delhi Capitals, Steve Smith is surely going to top the charts to take up the captaincy role. After being released from Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2021, he is someone to be looked upon. He was handed the captaincy for the Royals after Ajinkya Rahane stepped down in 2018.