INDIA: In a recent announcement, the Delhi Capitals have confirmed that David Warner will lead the team in IPL 2023 in the absence of Rishabh Pant, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation after a life-threatening accident. Axar Patel has been named the vice captain for the upcoming season.
Warner, who was the leading run-scorer for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2022, scoring 432 runs at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 150.52, is excited to take up the challenge of leading a team that boasts of some of the best talents in the game.
“We will all miss having Rishabh around since he has been a great leader for the Delhi Capitals. I want to express my gratitude to the management for their unwavering belief in me,” said Warner.
“I’ve always considered this franchise to be my home, and I’m beyond thrilled to be in charge of such an incredibly gifted group of athletes. I’m eager to get started and meet everyone,” he added.
At the 2022 super auction, the Delhi Capitals acquired Warner for Rs 6.25 crore when the Sunrisers Hyderabad released him. The left-handed opener has been a consistent performer in the IPL and is known for his aggressive approach and big-hitting ability.
However, Warner had a forgettable Border-Gavaskar Test series against India, where he struggled with the bat and scored only 26 runs in three innings before being substituted out of the second match due to concussion. He also suffered a hairline fracture in his elbow and had to return home to recover.
Warner, who has been in fine form in the Big Bash League, will be hoping to carry his good form into the IPL and lead the Delhi Capitals to their first title. The team has a strong squad that includes the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Kagiso Rabada, and R Ashwin.
Axar Patel, who has been named the vice captain, is a handy all-rounder and has been a consistent performer for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. The left-arm spinner played a crucial role in the Delhi Capitals’ run to the IPL 2020 final and was the team’s highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
It will be interesting to see how David Warner leads the team and how it performs under his captaincy. Delhi Capitals have been one of the most consistent teams in the IPL in recent years, and with a strong squad and a good captain, they will be hoping to go one step further and win their first title in the IPL 2023.
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