In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), records and milestones are etched into the annals of cricket history with each passing game. On the horizon of the cricketing chronicles, another groundbreaking achievement beckons, as Rishabh Pant stands ready to inscribe his name into the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) hall of fame. The dynamic southpaw is on the verge of a remarkable milestone, a feat that no player has accomplished in the storied history of the franchise: playing his 100th IPL game for the Delhi Capitals.
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur is set to be the backdrop for this significant episode on Thursday, March 28, as the stage is well-prepared for Pant’s centurial match. The wicketkeeper-batsman, currently the captain of DC, is jointly tied with veteran leg-spinner Amit Mishra, each with 99 matches under their belt for the Capitals. The upcoming clash against Rajasthan Royals, being the ninth match of the ongoing IPL season, promises to witness Pant surpass Mishra’s tally, rendering him the most capped player for DC.
It’s not just the milestone that turns this upcoming game into one brimming with anticipation. Pant, who has captained the team with both poise and aggression, is also looking to steer the Capitals to their first win of the 17th IPL season. The team faced a close encounter in their season opener against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, on March 23. Despite setting a challenging score of 174 on the board, Delhi fell short as PBKS clinched the game by four wickets.
The Capitals might feel the cruel hand of fate upon them, particularly with the misfortune that befell their veteran pacer, Ishant Sharma. Delivering a commendable performance, Sharma’s spell was cut short after he twisted his ankle during the match. His prowess with the ball had been on full display as he had already dismissed the PBKS captain Shikhar Dhawan before he was compelled to leave the field due to injury.
In the post-match presentation, Pant expressed his belief that Ishant’s untimely exit was a pivotal factor that tipped the scales in favor of their opponents. “I think Ishant’s injury was clearly evident on the field, we were already one bowler short because of our batting, Abishek Porel did well to give us those extra runs, but we were always one bowler short. The boys did well to drag us back into the match at various stages. (On his comeback) Was pretty nervous, there was a bit of tension, but I started to enjoy myself. No excuses, having a bowler short was never good, but credit to PKBS for the way they played,” Pant stated.
He also hailed the contribution of the young talent Abishek Porel, who made notable strides in what was only his third or fourth game. According to Pant, Porel’s performance with the bat was “very special,” and he anticipates seeing more from the youngster as the season progresses.
As the Capitals gear up for their subsequent encounter, all eyes will be on Rishabh Pant. Not only will the forthcoming match be a commemorative event marking his 100th appearance, but it will also be an opportunity for him to lead from the front, witness his squad bounce back, and provide the impetus for a victorious campaign ahead.
As the countdown to the landmark game diminishes, the narrative of the IPL continues to unravel, showcasing stories of triumphs, heartbreaks, and resilience. In the case of Rishabh Pant and the Delhi Capitals, it’s a blend of personal milestones wrapped in collective ambition, stepping onto the field with history ready to be rewritten, one run, one catch, one game at a time.
