Delhi Capitals’ new skipper Rishabh Pant on Saturday stated strolling out with Mahendra Singh Dhoni for toss of their IPL opener was a particular second for him because the Chennai Super Kings talisman has been his “go-to man.”
Chasing 189 for victory, DC romped to a seven-wicket victory with eight balls to spare after Shikhar Dhawan (85) and Prithvi Shaw (72) struck blistering half-centuries.
“Actually, it was special for me captaining in IPL and walking out for toss with MS. I have learnt from him and he’s my go-to man,” Pant stated on the post-match presentation ceremony right here.
The likes of Chris Woakes and Avesh Khan ensured DC didn’t miss their first-choice tempo duo of Kagiso Rabada and Andre Nortje who’re serving their quarantine.
“It was good, when you win the match every little thing is nice. In the center section, I used to be underneath strain, however good job from Avesh and the bowlers.
“MS Dhoni is my go-to man,” @RishabhPant17 #VIVOIPL | @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/DBZ9F3j5Tx
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 10, 2021
“We had been pondering as to what we are going to do with out Nortje and Rabada and I assumed we needed to do with the choices we now have.
“We thought whatever we have we have to work around this and put the best playing XI. We just wanted to finish the match before one over, we didn’t think about the run-rate.”
Pant additionally lauded the opening duo of Dhawan and Shaw.
“Prithvi and Shikhar did a good job for us in the powerplay. They kept it simple and looked for boundaries.”
Man of the Match Dhawan emphasised on the necessity to get an excellent begin and praised his junior teammate Shaw.
“Prithvi was batting really well. He carried on with his form from Vijay Hazare. It was important to get off to a good start because we were chasing a big total. I have to innovate a few shots and I enjoy taking up challenges. I was playing the ball close to the body,” Dhawan stated.
“The wicket was a little sticky. I knew my game plan. It is tremendous to watch Prithvi. He played some effortless shots. So good and so happy for him as he didn’t have a good IPL last time around.”
