Xtra Time Web Desk: In some sort of an unforeseen circumstance, Rishabh Pant was named as the captain of Indian T20 side for the series against South Africa starting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday. The Delhi wicket keeper batter only came to know about the development after arriving at the stadium for optional practice session.
KL Rahul was unfortunately ruled out with a right groin injury, prompting the selectors to elevate Pant – who was the vice-captain – as the captain for the next five matches. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter said he was yet to “digest” the fact that he us getting to lead Team India in about 24 hours’ time but promised to put his best foot forward.
Reacting to his new role, Pant said, “It is a very good feeling, did not come under very good circumstances but at the same time I am feeling happy. I would like to thank the BCCI for giving me this opportunity to lead the Indian side. I will try to make most out of it. Thank you to all my well-wishers for supporting me in my journey through my thick and thin of my cricketing career. I will look to make it a base and keep improving and keep making my life better and better each and every day.”
Pant will be walking in to toss for the first time and that too in front of his home crowd.
“It is a great feeling, especially getting an opportunity to lead in your home town. I will try to make most of it. I think as a captain, it will help me a lot (leading in the IPL) because when you are doing the same thing again and again, you improve. I am someone who keeps learning from his mistakes and I think it will help me in the coming days,” said Pant
When asked about having Rahul Dravid around him, Pant said: “It is one of the best things to have him around. I worked with him in the U-19 days and then I worked him in the Indian team. There is a lot of experience also, he is already a legendary cricketer. There are a lot of learnings from him, there is just a lot to learn from him.”