Axar Patel, an all-rounder for the Delhi Capitals (DC), has remarked that Rishabh Pant has brought back their old on- and off-field banter, which he missed “a lot” in the IPL 2023.
Pant finally resumes competitive cricket after a 15-month hiatus. IPL 2024 marks his comeback as captain following dreadful injuries sustained in a near-fatal car crash in December 2022.
Last year, David Warner led the team in Pant’s absence, but they languished near the bottom half of the points table.
“I’m sure everyone would have said that it’s great to have him back in the team, but personally, I missed him a lot, missed our banter both on and off the field last year,” Patel told the Capitals. “But, now that he is back, all the banter and fun have started alongside serious conversations around the game. I’m just looking forward to having more fun with him this season.”
Axar Patel
Axar and Pant have been good friends for years. Pant refers to the spinner as “Bapu,” a nickname that has become well-known in the IPL and among Indian cricketers.
“Keep things simple” – Axar Patel on Delhi Capitals’ plans for IPL 2024
The Capitals appear to be a considerably better batting team than they were in 2023, thanks to Pant’s excellent middle-order wicketkeeping without taking up an overseas berth.
Axar Patel, who plays a crucial role as a finisher down the order, stated that the squad is confident, and the coaches have encouraged keeping things simple.
“Everyone is coming off good performances in their respective domestic and international outings. It’s been a great atmosphere in the team. We have had good intense training sessions in Vizag before our opening game. It’s a new season, we are starting afresh… Mainly the conversations with the coaches have been around the execution of plans and most importantly how to keep things simple in the tournament.”
Axar Patel
The Capitals will begin their season against the Punjab Kings on Saturday, March 23.