Pant is certain to miss this year’s IPL following a car crash last week.
According to a TOI report, Pant is certain to miss this year’s IPL and his aim will be to regain complete fitness ahead of the ODI World Cup at home later this year.
The report further claims that the Capitals management is thinking about approaching David Warner for the leadership role in Rishabh’s absence.
Sources also said that the Delhi-based franchise might ask Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan to perform the wicketkeeping duties. While they roped in England wicketkeeper Philip Salt at the mini-auction last month, picking him in the playing XI would disrupt the team combination.
"Pant has been the mainstay of the middle-order. Warner has the experience of leading IPL teams. The management will speak to him. The middle-order needs an impactful Indian batter now. Sarfaraz will be asked to keep wickets if the combination asks for it. Meanwhile, the team will be looking for a domestic wicketkeeper or a strong batter," TOI quoted a source as saying.
As per the report, Delhi Capitals will look to secure the services of Bengal's young wicketkeeper Abhishek Porel.
On the other hand, if DC pick Philip Salt in the XI, they will have to rely on Indian pacers as either Anrich Nortje or Mustafizur Rahman would have to be benched. Mitch Marsh provides the team with a better balance with his all-round skills and it will be difficult to bench him. Rovman Powell had done exceptionally well in last year’s IPL and it seems unlikely that the franchise will overlook him.
(With TOI inputs)