Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting is confident that the franchise captain Rishabh Pant will one day also lead India at the international level. Pant, 24, recently had his first taste in India’s leadership group when he was named the vice-captain for West Indies T20Is.
With age on his side, and a bright career predicted by everyone, Pant is likely to become India’s captain at some point in the future. Ponting believes Pant’s experience leading the Capitals in the IPL will keep him in good stead when the captaincy opportunity arises at the national team.
“With some experience in a role like this in such a high-pressure tournament like the IPL, you know, I’ve got no doubt in years to come there is every chance that Risabh could be international captain. No doubt about it,” Ricky Ponting said in a virtual conference ahead of the IPL 2022.
Ponting also felt that Pant’s story to the top in the IPL could follow the path of that of Rohit Sharma. It was, in fact, from Ponting that Rohit took over Mumbai Indians‘ captaincy mid-season in 2013 and marched the franchise, turning around the season in spectacular fashion, to their maiden IPL title. Four more titles followed for MI under Rohit so far.
Ricky Ponting pointed out that Rishabh is also at a similar age when Rohit took over MI’s leadership and the duo have similar qualities.
“I haven’t thought about that actually. But I think they are actually quite similar. When Rohit took over at Mumbai, he was quite a young man as well and he just sort of started out in his international career. He would probably be about 23-24, similar age to what Rishabh over here.
“To be totally honest, they’re actually quite similar people. I know they’re great mates and they probably exchange little things about leadership and captaincy along the way as well,” Ricky Ponting stated.
Ricky Ponting, as Delhi’s head coach, is hopeful that Pant would also win titles as Rohit has for Mumbai.
“There is every opportunity for Rishabh’s journey to be quite similar to Rohit Sharma. Taking over as a young captain of a successful franchise and growing on a daily basis. Hopefully, Rishabh can have the same sort of success that Rohit had on Mumbai Indians,” the 47-year-old Australian said.
Delhi and Mumbai will clash for their first game of the season, on Sunday afternoon at the Brabourne Stadium.
