Australian opener David Warner has been named as the replacement captain for the Delhi Capitals whilst Rishabh Pant continues to recover from a car crash he suffered in December 2022.
Indian wicket keeper Pant suffered from injuries to his head, back and legs. Police said that he “dozed off” before dramatic scenes when his car flipped over twice and then caught fire he was then saved from the burning car.
Warner will be returning for his 13th season in the IPL and will be competing for the Delhi Capitals for the second season in IPL 2023. This will also be the Warners second stint as “interim” captain, as the opener captained on occasions back in 2013 for the same franchise previously known as the Delhi Daredevils.
Management and head coach, Australian legend Ricky Ponting came to the decision, with Axar Patel staying as vice-captain for the Capitals.
Warner missed the 2018 edition of the IPL after Cricket Australia handed Warner a ban for his involvement in the well documented ball tampering scandal which took place during the test match in South Africa.
IPL 2022 was one of high production for the Australian, in 12 matches scoring 432 runs at an average of 48 including five half centuries.
However, this wasn’t enough as his Capitals side finished outside of the play-off spots in heart-breaking fashion in a must win game defeat to the Mumbai Indians.
Warner Fitness
Warner has been rumoured to miss the first two matches for the Delhi Capitals after the opener was struck on the elbow from a delivery from Mohammed Shami in Delhi.
Meaning that Axar Patel could lead the side out as they face Lucknow Super Giants away from home in the first game before playing at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi’s first home game.
What did the new captain say?
“We are motivated every season, but we are motivated even more to lift the title this year in your absence.”
We are going to be on the journey of your recovery with you. We are going to send some special messages and hopefully, you can come to one of our games.
“On behalf of the DC family, I would like to wish you all the best and a speedy recovery.”
“I am honoured to be named Captain of the Delhi Capitals alongside Axar Patel being named Vice-Captain. We have big shoes to fill.”
What did co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi say?
“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome David on board as our captain, and Dada back in our franchise again.”
“They are among the many reasons to look forward to the upcoming season of the IPL, which also marks the return of fans to Qila Kotla after a three-year gap. Their presence strengthens our team immensely.”
