NewDelhi: Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant surprisingly declined the captaincy for the Delhi Ranji Trophy team and instead had decided to back Ayush Badoni, who is the current skipper. The fan loving wicket keeper is all set to make a return to domestic circuit from a 7 year break after the fan loving wicket keeper is all set to make a return to domestic circuit from a 7 year break after skipper MS Dhoni’s retirement announcement, with an eye on the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) selection committee, which recently met to select the squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra, slated to start on 23 January in Rajkot. Pant has opted out of taking the leadership role even though he has made himself available for the match, sources close to the matter said, though the official announcement is pending.
Former India skipper and vice captain Pant had earlier told the DDCA selection committee that he recommended Badoni carry on as captain. Badoni becomes the twelfth wicketkeeper to lead the team in IPL history and Expressing his willingness to help the wicketkeeper-batsman in his career, the allrounder said that he will play his part to ensure the team’s stability.
A source familiar with the situation explained Pant’s reasoning: “All the same, he felt it would be inappropriate to assume captaincy on the basis of his experience as an international and IPL franchise captain.” He said such a decision could upset the balance of the team”‘.
Pant, nevertheless, has chosen to rely on Badoni and coach Sarandeep Singh to carry on with the project that was introduced when the season began. This is Pant’s commitment to the long-term success of the team and also his respect for the existing leadership structure.
Their matches on the cards are very crucial for Delhi for them to progress in the tournament, as they currently sit in joint second position along with 19 points in the Ranji Group D table.
Another Delhi stalwart, Virat Kohli, is missing through injury too, making Pant’s return to the side all the more important.
Pant, meanwhile, has not played in the Ranji Trophy since 2018, and everybody will be watching him keenly—if he can play well, he has a good chance of pushing back into the national team for the Champions Trophy.