Through the emotions and responsibility, as the Delhi Capitals’ skipper in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021), Rishabh Pant has shown his instincts as a super captain. Especially after his knock of 58 against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday, Pant has won many hearts despite losing the match by one run.
Former India spinner and Indian Premier League governing member Pragyan Ojha told India Today after the conclusion of a thrilling game that he believes Pant potential to captain India in the future. Ojha also heaped praises on Pant for his composure during the match.
Rishabh Pant can lead India in the future – Pragyan Ojha
Rishabh Pant, who is leading a franchise in the high-profile league game, has shown a commendable aura with his captaincy skills. Capitals have won four out of six matches under his leadership. Under his leadership, Delhi Capitals have lost only two matches and occupy the third spot in the IPL 2021 points table.
“The way he has led his team. Somehow I get a feeling that in the years to come if Rishabh Pant bats the way he has been batting and shows this maturity, he can be the captain. He is showing that,” Ojha told.
“When you talk about a player, the aura around him shows it. It makes me feel that this is the guy who can be the captain of the Indian team.”
“That’s what I feel after reading about him after talking to people about him. This is the same aura that was created about Sourav Ganguly, created about MS Dhoni. So that is how it is. I feel he can. It’s still far away.”
“But right now, the way he is developing himself as a player and as a leader, that is something that the think tank should have a close look at. Under Ravi (Shastri) Bhai, I think he will develop,” he added.
Pragyan Ojha also praised Virat Kohli’s attitude of applauding youngsters even when they are playing for other franchises. Virat, the current Indian skipper, ow captaining Royal Challengers Bangalore has won five out of six games. Kohli’s gesture of putting his arm around Pant’s shoulders and consoling him after the loss, and praising his ability to hit a boundary on the last ball stole the attention of the fans.
“Virat Kohli will be very very proud. The way the Indian team has been performing, the way RCB has been performing. I think he has got the trick as to how to develop a cricketer.”
“If you see, he was very happy for Ravindra Jadeja. Today, if you see, he went and gave a pat on Rishabh Pant’s shoulders. That shows he thinks ‘okay IPL is there, franchise cricket is there’. He knows what kind of a role that Pant can play when India need him to perform. As a proud captain, he will be very happy and satisfied with the way Indian cricket is moving forward. Look at someone like Avesh Khan, look at Chetan Sakariya, the pool is increasing,” Ojha concluded
