'All the banter has started again' - DC's Axar Patel on Rishabh Pant's return

The Delhi Capitals arrive in Chandigarh for their opening match against Punjab Kings, and Axar Patel took a moment to reflect on the team's preparations for the upcoming season of the IPL. The all-rounder reiterated the old adage of "keeping things simple" before heading into the tournament, stating that to be the mantra for 2024 as the Capitals look to bounce back after a lacklustre previous edition in which they narrowly averted a wooden-spoon finish, ending ninth in the ten-team table with only five wins in 14 games.

Meanwhile, the Capitals' is the most buzzing camp thanks to the return of Rishabh Pant to cricketing action, as he gears up to lead the franchise after being unveiled as the captain, taking over the reins from David Warner.

"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 said on the team's approach in the IPL 2024.

Speaking about Pant's return to professional cricket, Axar said, "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. 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.

The Delhi Capitals will take on Punjab Kings in their first match of IPL 2024 in Chandigarh on March 23.