IPL 2024: We had a better chance of qualifying if I would have had a chance to play in the last game – Rishabh Pant rues his suspension

Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant believes his team would have had a better chance of qualifying if he had played in the last game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Pant was suspended for one game due to a slow over rate and suffered a 47-run loss against RCB, which impacted their net run rate.

Thus, despite a 19-run win against Lucknow Super Giants at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Tuesday, Delhi Capitals are almost out of the playoffs contention.

DC posted a par score of 208 runs on the board after KL Rahul won the toss. Abishek Porel scored a crucial knock of 58 runs after in-form Jake Fraser-McGurk was dismissed for naught. Tristan Stubbs added the finishing touches as he scored a fine knock of 57 runs off 25 balls.

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals veteran seamer Ishant Sharma returned with impressive figures of 3-34 in his quota of four overs to play a key role in restricting the opposition at 189-9. LSG lost four wickets in the Powerplay overs and thus had their backs against the wall. 

Rishabh Pant said the total was par and credited his bowlers for bowling to their plans.

Pant said in the post-match presentation, “Definitely Pooran was giving us a hard time. We had certain plans. The total was good enough. We kept on bowling good balls. I would say the start of the season was with a lot of hopes. Some injuries. We are still in contention even after the last game. We had a better chance of qualifying if I would have had a chance to play in the last game.”

Meanwhile, Pant made a comeback after recovering from a horrific car accident. The wicket-keeper bat gave his gratitude for all the support he has received and wants to keep performing at the top level.  

Pant concluded, “Personally, it was fantastic to come back. It was heartening to see the support from the entire India. It was a long time to wait after one-and-a-half years. I want to be on the field all the time. Don’t want to miss any action.”

DC finished the league stage with seven wins and as many losses.