Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant. Picture Credit: Twitter

The latest buzz in the IPL circuit is that wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant is likely to get the responsibility of leading the Delhi Capitals for IPL 2021 in the absence of regular captain Shreyas Iyer. While Pant has previously captained Delhi in Ranji Trophy, this might be the first time the youngster gets to captain an IPL side. In 2020, Iyer led DC had managed to reach their first-ever final but ahead of the 14th edition of the tournament, he has been ruled out owing to a shoulder injury.

Although Delhi had other captaincy options in the side- the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, R Ashwin and Steve Smith- all of whom had previously led IPL sides, they are reportedly in favour of Pant getting the leadership role. The swashbuckling left-handed batsman has already had an impactful IPL career with over 2000 runs in 68 matches and a superb strike rate of 151.97. The 23-year-old has accumulated those runs with the help of 12 fifties and a hundred.

Greater the setback, stronger the comeback: Iyer

Earlier on Thursday, Iyer vowed to make a "strong comeback" with an emotional social media post. He not only thanked his fans for their support but hoped to get back on the field soon.

"I’ve been reading your messages and have been overwhelmed by all the outpouring of love and support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone. You know what they say, the greater the setback, the stronger the comeback. I shall be back soon," he wrote. IPL 2021 is set to get underway with the defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on the Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 9 at Chennai.