IPL 2021: Rishabh Pant reveals secret to solid start as Delhi Capitals' skipper

The Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals beat KL Rahul’s Punjab Kings in a high-scoring IPL 2021 encounter on Sunday (April 18). The win means that skipper Rishabh Pant has won two of his first three games. Many felt the maverick wicketkeeper-batsman would struggle with the burden of captaincy. However, early days in the IPL 2021 suggests otherwise. Speaking after the match, Pant revealed the secret to his solid start as skipper. “I like to keep the environment light so people can be themselves and enjoy their cricket,” Pant said at the post-match presentation.

Pant also stated that his bowlers had done well on a track that was doing much. He even added that he was enjoying the pressures of captaincy.

“Coming from a loss, winning the next match was important. I have already started enjoying captaincy! But we were under pressure at the start, the wicket was not doing much. Our bowlers did a good job keeping them to 190.

Pant was also full of praise for experienced opener Shikhar Dhawan, whose 92 helped DC chase down a target of 196 with 10 balls to spare.

“He (Dhawan) has a lot of experience. You can to talk to him about anything; how we can set the field, batting… there are many things you can talk about. At the end of the day, what he’s giving to the team is commendable.”

‘Knew I must improve my strike-rate in IPL 2021’

Dhawan, who was awarded the Player of the Match, said that he is working on improving his strike-rate. He further said he is now playing more freely.

“It was a conscious effort from my side; I knew I have to improve on that (strike rate) and I have started taking more risks. I am not afraid of changes, I’m always open towards it. Not scared of getting out as well.

“I have worked on a few shots; my slog shot has improved a lot. It was there earlier as well, but now I play it more freely. I’m more relaxed, having played for so many years.”

He also put in a word of appreciation for partner Prithvi Shaw. “It’s been great opening with Prithvi. I’m really happy with the way he played today and scored those 30-40 runs.”