Newly-appointed Delhi Capitals captain David Warner said on Thursday that the franchise will definitely miss the leadership and the stunning batting show that Rishabh Pant brings in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. However, Warner was named as the stand-in captain for the upcoming season, which will begin on March 31.

However, Rishabh Pant has been out of action after he survived a near-fatal car accident in December 2022. Pant suffered major injuries and also needed surgery to be back on his feet as well and currently he is recovering. Recently, Pant shared a video of him trying to walk with crutches in a swimming pool as well. Although the wicketkeeper-batter has started his road to recovery, it is likely that the India star is unlikely to return to action until the end of the year as well.

Notably, Pant will be unavailable for IPL 2023 and he is likely to miss the ODI World Cup later this year as well. And, Warner will continue to work with head coach Ricky Ponting at Delhi Capitals.

ALSO READ: Viacom18 bags WIPL Media Rights for 5 years

“Rishabh has been a terrific leader for Delhi Capitals, and we’re all going to miss having him around. I would like to thank the management for the faith and trust they’ve always shown in me,” David Warner said in a statement. “This franchise has always been home for me, and I couldn’t be more excited to lead such a supremely talented bunch of players. I can’t wait to meet them all, and get cracking!” he further added.

Delhi Capitals will open their tournament against Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Saturday, April 1. Their first home game will be against the defending champions Gujarat Titans on April 4 as well. On the other hand, the Delhi Capitals appointed India all-rounder Axar Patel as their vice-captain for the IPL 2023 season. The Capitals also named former BCCI president and India captain Sourav Ganguly as their Director of Cricket as well.

READ MORE: ‘Could have gone deeper’ – Shubman Gill on his knock

While talking about the latest appointments, Delhi Capitals Chairman and co-owner Parth Jindal said: “In Rishabh’s absence, there couldn’t have been a more apt candidate than David to lead the Delhi Capitals. With him as our leader, and Ricky (Ponting) and Dada (Ganguly) overseeing all proceedings, I have no doubt that we are going to be the team to watch out for in the competition.”