In the high-stakes 62nd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are taking on Delhi Capitals (DC) at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium. With both teams fighting tooth and nail to secure a playoff spot, the encounter promised high-octane action. However, DC faced a significant setback ahead of the game, as their regular skipper Rishabh Pant found himself suspended for one match due to a slow-over rate offence.
Filling in Pant’s shoes, Axar Patel led the Capitals onto the field for the toss, squaring off against Faf du Plessis of RCB. Winning the toss, Axar opted to bowl first, aiming to restrict the opposition and chase down the target later. Amidst the tension, Axar provided a glimpse into Pant’s reaction to the suspension.
Axar Patel reveals Rishabh Pant’s reaction
Axar, assuming the leadership mantle in Pant’s absence, disclosed Pant’s emotional state in the face of the ban. He revealed that Pant was visibly upset, expressing his frustration at the decision and even appealing against it.
The left-arm spinner emphasized the challenges captains face, bearing the brunt of slow-over rates set by the bowling unit. Despite the setback, Pant exhibited his commitment by being present at the ground, rallying his teammates and urging them to focus on the game ahead.
“Bangalore wicket is always good. It’s a chasing ground. When we start well, we dominate the game. Rishabh was angry and had appealed as well against the suspension. Bowlers take a lot of time, and the captain gets punished. He’s at the ground here, motivating the team,” said Axar.
Here is the video:
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Rajat Patidar sizzles with the bat
Despite Pant’s absence, the Capitals put up a valiant effort on the field, aiming to compensate for their skipper’s one-match hiatus. RCB, batting first, posted a competitive total of 187/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Rajat Patidar emerged as the batting star for RCB, showcasing his prowess with a blistering half-century. Patidar’s innings of 52 runs off 32 deliveries provided the much-needed impetus to RCB’s innings. Will Jacks and Cameron Green also contributed significantly with scores of 41 and 32 respectively.
In response to RCB’s onslaught, DC’s bowlers put up a spirited performance to contain the opposition. Rasikh Salam and Khaleel Ahmed were the standout performers with the ball, picking up two wickets each to stem the flow of runs.