Delhi Capitals’ season in the 2024 Indian Premier League has been a roller-coaster ride, and their captain, Rishabh Pant, has been a bright spot on an individual basis. Pant’s return to top-level competitive cricket after a car crash in late December 2022 has been remarkable, and he had played every match for DC this season as their captain and wicketkeeper-batter until his streak was broken on Sunday.
Pant was suspended and also fined INR 30 lakh for a Code of Conduct breach during DC’s 20-run win against Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday. DC were 10 minutes behind time at the start of the final over in the RR game, resulting in Pant missing the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). DC went on to lose the match by 47 runs, putting a significant dent in their chances of making it to the IPL playoffs.
Just hours before the start of the match on Sunday, Pant put up a cryptic post on his Instagram stories. It was a screenshot of a quote that said, “The only thing we have power over in the universe is our own thoughts.” Pant added to that by saying, “Can’t say much.”
All-rounder Axar Patel led DC in Pant’s absence. Axar said at the toss that Pant was angry with the ban. “Rishabh was angry about being banned, bowlers are late but the captain gets punished. But he’s at the ground, is motivated and has told us not to feel like he’s not with us and focus on the process,” said Axar.
DC struggled against RCB, paying the price for several dropped catches in the beginning. Despite restricting RCB below 190, DC’s chase faltered as they lost four wickets inside 3.3 overs upfront, eventually finishing at 140, with Axar Patel 57 (39b, 5×4, 3×6) playing a lone hand.
RCB now have 12 points from 13 matches – the same as the Capitals – and need a win against Chennai Super Kings in their last league match on May 18 to push their case for a playoff berth. The Capitals also need a win in their final league game against Lucknow Super Giants on May 14 to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot.
