IPL 2023: David Warner set to lead Delhi Capitals in Rishabh Pant's absence

David Warner will be leading Delhi Capitals in the forthcoming 16^th edition of the Indian Premier League, in the absence of regular skipper Rishabh Pant. Due to the severe injuries faced during the accident that Pant was a part of, in December 2022, he’ll miss the entire IPL 2023 and the Australian stalwart would be leading the franchise.

While Warner has been appointed for the captaincy role, Indian all-rounder Axar Patel will be his deputy. Axar has been in brilliant form across formats and has been performing really well in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy. Axar Patel has emerged as a top all-rounder and contributes equally with the bat as well as the ball.

After being released by the Sunrisers Hyderabad before the IPL 2022 mega auction, Delhi Capitals roped him in for INR 6.25 crore. He stood up to the team’s expectations and did a brilliant job while portraying the opener’s role. In 12 games last season, Warner notched up 432 runs, including five half-centuries, and brought his best score of 92*(58) against SRH.

Warner has been a part of the Indian Premier League for more than a decade and has played 13 editions of the tournament. Warner also has the experience of leading an IPL franchise, as he was the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad and also led the side to their maiden IPL title in the year 2016. The franchise is yet to make an official announcement about the same.

“David will be our captain and Axar Patel will be his deputy,” a member of the ownership group of Delhi Capitals told Cricbuzz.

Warner to be back in action during India ODIs

With Ricky Ponting on his side as the team’s head coach, David Warner won’t face much trouble leading Delhi Capitals. Warner was recently in India for the Test series but returned home after being ruled out of the entire series midway through the second Test in Delhi. The opening batter will be back in action during the three-match ODI series and was named in Australia’s 16-member squad that was announced on Thursday, February 23.