DC all-rounder Axar Patel praised his side’s captain Rishabh Pant, saying that the wicketkeeper-batter has shown more signs of calmness and maturity since his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Pant has been one of the biggest talking points in the ongoing season of the competition since he was making a return after his horror car accident in December 2022.
Axar has reflected on how Pant used to react to situations 1.5 years before in DC, compared to his more composed and patient personality since returning from injury. Pant has resumed his captaincy duties in DC, but has only managed to lead the side to their 3 victories in their 8 matches so far.
Pant’s return to cricketing action in IPL 2024 has seen him score 254 runs in his 8 appearances, including two half-centuries, which has been a sight for the sore eyes of Indian cricket fans. Despite his healthy batting, Pant came under some criticism due to his performance in DC’s thrashing to SRH in their previous clash on April 20.
Speaking to journalists at an event ahead of DC’s highly-anticipated clash against the Shubman Gill-led GT on April 24, Axar had a few words on how Pant has evolved both as a captain and a player for the franchise.
“I think he’s more mature and patient now compared to the Rishabh Pant of 1.5 years ago…He speaks with a lot of maturity now. Earlier, he used to come and start by saying ‘Mai ye kardunga, mai vo karunga’ (I’ll do this, I’ll do that). But now he understands that that’s not how it works so he shows a lot of patience and says ‘Mai time luunga, mai match finish karne ka dekhunga’ (I’ll take my time and try and finish the games),” Axar said.
Axar also made sure to highlight how Pant has maintained his batting brilliance since his return to IPL.
“Obviously, his natural game and shots are still there. But now I feel he’s more mature, calmer and doesn’t get too angry either about someone or the other doing something wrong,” Axar added.
