IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant looked vintage during his fifty vs CSK: Steve Smith hails DC captain

Australia’s veteran batter Steve Smith lauded Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant after his fine knock against Chennai Super Kings at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam on Sunday. Pant’s knock of 51 runs off 32 balls helped DC post 191 runs on the board after David Warner and Prithvi Shaw added 93 runs for the opening alliance.

Pant took his time in the early stages of his innings as he struggled a bit to find his timing. However, the pugnacious left-hander changed gears towards the end and scored his maiden fifty after making a comeback.

Pant scored four fours and three sixes in his blistering knock as he scored his runs at a strike rate of 159.38 and played a key role in helping DC go past the 190-run mark.

“Yeah, there was (pressure when Pant walked into bat). But he played his natural game. Yes, he took a little bit of time to get going, like he did in the first two matches where he didn’t quite kick on. Today, he looked really calm and composed. He chose the right time to go, chose the right moments and the areas to hit. He just looked vintage Rishabh like he hadn’t been gone anywhere. That’s great to see for everyone who’s been waiting for him to come out and do this. It’s great to see him bat like this. Hopefully, he can keep it up,” Steve Smith said while speaking on Star Sports.

This knock must have given a lot of confidence to Rishabh Pant and he will look to carry the good show. Furthermore, DC registered their maiden win of the season as they defeated CSK by 20 runs.

Meanwhile, Khaleel Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers for DC as he bagged 2-21 and played a key role in team’s win. Ahmed was awarded Player of the Match for his fine bowling display.

Delhi Capitals will next take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.