Cricket

Rishabh Pant to Step Down as Delhi Capitals Captain in IPL 2025In a significant development, star Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will relinquish his captaincy role for the Delhi Capitals in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. According to reliable sources, the franchise is considering appointing all-rounder Axar Patel as the new skipper or exploring options at the IPL auction.Pant, who led the Capitals in IPL 2024 after returning from a severe car accident, will remain the franchise's top retention. However, the team's leadership believes that he would perform better without the burden of captaincy.The Delhi Capitals last reached the IPL playoffs in 2021 and finished as runners-up in 2020 under Shreyas Iyer's leadership. In IPL 2024, Pant led the team to a sixth-place finish with six wins and six losses.One potential candidate for the captaincy role is Iyer, who recently led the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title. Pant recently met with Delhi Capitals co-owners Parth Jindal and Kiran Kumar Grandhi to discuss his future with the franchise.Despite being India's match-winner in Test cricket, Pant's performance in white-ball formats has been inconsistent. In 76 T20Is, he has scored 1,209 runs with only three half-centuries, averaging 23.25 and striking at 127.26.In the IPL, Pant has amassed 3284 runs in 111 matches for the Delhi Capitals, including 18 fifties and one century. However, he was overlooked for Dinesh Karthik in India's XI during the 2022 T20 World Cup.The Delhi Capitals recently appointed Hemang Badani as head coach and Venugopal Rao as director of cricket for the next two seasons.

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant injected a dose of humor into India's practice session ahead of the highly anticipated home Test series against New Zealand. In a lighthearted exchange with young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pant joked about sharing a chair, creating a playful moment amidst the intense preparations.In a video posted on Pant's social media handle, the 27-year-old keeper playfully asked Jaiswal, "Chair chahiye kya tereko?" (Do you need a chair?). With only one free chair available, Pant cheekily added, "Yeh toh nahi dunga" (I won't give it to you), leaving both cricketers in laughter.Beyond the banter, Pant displayed his serious side, practicing various shots in the nets. The video captures him working on a wide range of strokes, hinting at the explosive form he aims to carry into the upcoming series.India has announced a formidable 15-member squad for the three-match Test series, which begins on October 16 in Bengaluru as part of the ICC World Test Championship. The team is led by Rohit Sharma, with fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah serving as vice-captain. Bumrah's elevation to deputy comes as India prepare for the grueling five-Test tour of Australia next month.However, the squad will miss the services of experienced pacer Mohammed Shami, who is recovering from ankle surgery. Shami sustained the injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup and will sit out the entire New Zealand series. Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Yash Dayal, part of the squad for the Bangladesh series, has been omitted.Despite the changes, India, having recently swept Bangladesh 2-0, remain focused on extending their lead at the top of the World Test Championship standings. The team will be eager to put on a strong performance against New Zealand and continue their dominance in the longest format of the game.

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant recently engaged in a delightful gully cricket session with fans, showcasing his exceptional skills and infectious enthusiasm. The video, shared on social media, captured Pant's playful spirit and his love for the game.Pant, who has been selected for India's Test series against New Zealand, took time out to connect with fans and share his passion for cricket. In the video, he can be seen explaining the rules of the match, much to the amusement of those around him.With his signature out-of-the-box strokes, Pant left everyone in awe. He also indulged in light-hearted banter with his playmates, just as he does on the cricket field. The video concluded with Pant uttering a hilarious one-liner that resonated with every gully cricket batter: "Main batsman hoo na batting le ke ghar chala jaata hoo!" (I'm the batter, I will complete my batting and run home).Pant's gully cricket session not only showcased his cricketing prowess but also highlighted his down-to-earth nature. He connected with fans on a personal level, sharing his love for the game and creating lasting memories.The video has garnered immense attention on social media, with fans praising Pant's skills and his ability to bring joy to others. It serves as a reminder of the simple pleasures of cricket and the importance of connecting with fans at the grassroots level.As Pant prepares for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, his gully cricket session has provided a glimpse into his unwavering passion for the game. His infectious enthusiasm and love for cricket will undoubtedly inspire his teammates and fans alike.

Mind Games: Rishabh Pant's Psychological Edge in CricketIn the realm of cricket, where physical prowess reigns supreme, the psychological aspect often plays a pivotal role. Mind games, a subtle yet potent weapon, have become an integral part of the sport, with players and teams employing various tactics to unsettle their opponents and gain a mental advantage.One such master of mind games is India's wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. Known for his playful and energetic approach, Pant uses banter and tactical awareness to create pressure and disrupt the rhythm of his adversaries.During the recent T20 World Cup final against South Africa, Pant's mind games came to the fore. As South Africa began to gain momentum, Pant deliberately paused the game, seeking medical attention for a minor knee issue."I was thinking what to do because the momentum had suddenly shifted," Pant revealed in a recent talk show. "I was asking the physio to take time. When he asked if my knee was fine, I said, 'Bhaiya, main testing kar raha tha.'"Pant's calculated delay served its purpose. It broke South Africa's flow and allowed India to regain their composure. The move proved to be a turning point in the match, as India ultimately emerged victorious by a thrilling seven-run margin.Pant's use of mind games is unique in its combination of humor and pressure tactics. His infectious energy and unpredictability make him a formidable opponent both behind the stumps and at the crease.Mind games in cricket are an essential part of the battle between bat and ball. The ability to handle pressure, maintain focus, and outthink opponents can make the difference between success and failure. While physical skills are indispensable, those who can stay mentally strong, withstand pressure, and effectively employ mind games are often the ones who thrive at the highest level.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable comeback to Test cricket after a life-threatening car accident has been an inspiration to many. The young wicketkeeper-batsman's determination and resilience have been evident throughout his journey, which includes winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 with Team India and scoring a century in his first Test match since the accident.Pant's return to the Indian Test team for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand is a testament to his hard work and dedication. The 25-year-old has been named in the 15-man squad, which will be led by Rohit Sharma. Jasprit Bumrah will serve as the vice-captain.Pant's recent cryptic message on social media, where he asked his followers if he would be sold at an auction and for how much, has sparked speculation about his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Delhi Capitals (DC) captain is known for his fun-loving nature, but his message has raised questions about his commitment to the franchise.However, Pant has remained focused on his cricket and has been working hard to regain his form. He has been in good touch in domestic cricket, scoring a century in the Ranji Trophy. Pant's inclusion in the Indian Test squad is a sign that he is back to his best and ready to contribute to the team's success.The upcoming Test series against New Zealand will be a tough challenge for India, but Pant's presence in the team will give them a boost. The left-hander is a match-winner and can change the course of a game with his aggressive batting and brilliant wicketkeeping.Pant's journey from a life-threatening accident to a triumphant return to international cricket is a story of courage, determination, and resilience. He is an inspiration to many and his story will continue to motivate others to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.

Rishabh Pant, India's star wicketkeeper-batter, is enjoying a brief respite after his triumphant return to Test cricket in the recently concluded series against Bangladesh. India emerged victorious with a 2-0 sweep, with Pant playing a pivotal role in the first Test in Chennai. His brilliant century in the second innings marked a significant milestone in his comeback journey following a serious car accident in December 2022.Pant's impressive performance has earned him a well-deserved break from the ongoing T20I series against Bangladesh, providing opportunities for Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma to showcase their abilities. However, Pant is expected to make a strong return for the Test series against New Zealand, commencing on October 16 in Bengaluru.Beyond the field, Pant has been actively engaging with fans and making public appearances. Star Sports recently shared a heartwarming video of him taking selfies with enthusiastic supporters at an event in Bengaluru. The broadcaster aptly captioned the video: "When Rishabh Pant pulls out the camera, it's not just a selfie, it's a whole celebration!"Pant's presence has already ignited excitement among fans, who eagerly anticipate his continued comeback journey in the upcoming matches. His determination and resilience have been an inspiration to many, and his return to form is a testament to his unwavering spirit.

Delhi Capitals' Retention Strategy: Aakash Chopra Advises Prioritizing Pant and AxarFormer Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has urged the Delhi Capitals (DC) to prioritize the retention of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and all-rounder Axar Patel ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.Despite rumors of Pant's potential departure, Chopra confirmed that the star player will remain with the Delhi-based franchise. He emphasized Pant's importance as the team's first retention, allocating a budget of Rs 18 crore for his services.Chopra also highlighted Axar's consistent performances, citing his contributions as a bowler, batter, and fielder. He believes that retaining Axar will save the team significant funds in the auction, as his value would be high if he were available.For the third retention, Chopra identified a dilemma between Australian all-rounder Jake Fraser-McGurk and Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav. While he prefers an Indian player, he acknowledges the value of Fraser-McGurk and suggests using the Right To Match (RTM) card for one of them.Chopra further recommended retaining Abishek Porel as the uncapped player, securing him at a lower price of Rs 4 crore. This move would leave DC with two RTM cards after retaining three capped players and Porel.

India's T20 World Cup triumph in June 2023 was a thrilling affair, with the team overcoming a daunting challenge against South Africa in the final. However, a lesser-known story from that match, revealed by Rohit Sharma on 'The Great Indian Kapil Show,' sheds light on a clever tactic employed by wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant that played a crucial role in turning the game in India's favor.As South Africa chased India's challenging total of 176, Heinrich Klaasen's blistering knock of 52 from 27 balls brought them to the brink of victory. With South Africa needing 26 runs from 24 balls, the momentum seemed to be slipping away from India.However, Pant's quick thinking and strategic delay in proceedings proved to be a game-changer. Pretending to have a knee niggle, Pant called for the physio and had his knee taped, effectively halting the game's progress.Rohit Sharma believes this tactic worked in India's favor, as it disrupted Klaasen's rhythm and gave India a chance to regroup. "At that moment, the batter wants the ball to be bowled quickly because he is in flow. We needed to break the rhythm," Rohit explained.After the resumption of play, Hardik Pandya dismissed Klaasen with the very next ball, bringing India back into the contest. David Miller's dismissal soon after further boosted India's chances, and they eventually clinched the victory in the final over.While Rohit Sharma acknowledges that Pant's ploy may not have been the sole reason for India's triumph, he believes it played a significant role in breaking South Africa's momentum and giving India a fighting chance.

Australian Cricketers Unanimously Crown Rishabh Pant as India's Top SledgerThe rivalry between India and Australia has always been intense, with heated moments and on-field aggression becoming commonplace. In a recent video released by Star Sports, Australian cricketers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne unanimously agreed that Rishabh Pant is the most prolific sledger in the current Indian cricket team.Pant, known for his aggressive and often witty sledging, has become a formidable presence on the field. In the same video, he recalled his memorable sledging battles with former Australian captain Tim Paine during the 2018 series. Pant revealed that even the then Australian Prime Minister recognized him through his sledging."I do it with love!" Pant said. "I don't like it when someone does it to me, so I sledge politely."Pant's sledging has often been a source of entertainment for fans, but it has also drawn criticism from some quarters. However, the Australian players acknowledged that Pant's sledging is usually harmless and in good spirits."He's a bit of a character," said Starc. "He's always up for a bit of banter, and he's not afraid to give it back."Meanwhile, India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has regained the top spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings after his impressive performance in the second Test against Bangladesh. Bumrah replaced his teammate Ravichandran Ashwin, who had held the top spot after the first Test.In batting, Yashasvi Jaiswal has moved to a career-high third position after his scintillating knocks in the Kanpur Test. The 22-year-old is now behind only Kane Williamson and Joe Root in the rankings.Veteran Indian batter Virat Kohli has also made a significant jump in the rankings, rising six places to the sixth position. Rishabh Pant remains in the top 10, dropping three spots to ninth.