On the 28th of March 2024, cricket fans witnessed a momentous occasion as Rishabh Pant, the dynamic captain of Delhi Capitals (DC), stepped onto the field to play his 100th Indian Premier League (IPL) match. This match, against the Rajasthan Royals, not only marked a personal milestone for Pant but also underscored his enduring loyalty and exceptional talent as a cricketer. Let’s delve into the details of this historic match and the significance of Pant’s achievement.
Rishabh Pant’s 100th IPL Match
Pant’s Words at the Toss: “We’ll bowl first. The wicket looks fine and we want to use it, there might be some dew in the 2nd innings. Feels good to play 100 matches for the same franchise, but every game is important for me. Most of the concerns are regarding injury, but these are things you can’t control. Two changes for us – Ishant hasn’t recovered, Shai Hope has a back spasm. Anrich Nortje and Mukesh Kumar come in,” Pant said.
In his landmark 100th IPL appearance, Rishabh Pant found himself on the losing side as the Rajasthan Royals secured a hard-fought victory by 12 runs. Despite the loss, Pant’s contribution to the game cannot be overlooked. He displayed his trademark aggressive style, scoring 28 runs off 26 balls, although not reaching the heights he often achieves. However, as the captain of his team, Pant’s leadership qualities shone through, setting the stage for more memorable performances in the future.
DC vs RR IPL 2024 Match
The clash between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals was a thrilling encounter that showcased the competitive spirit of IPL cricket. Rajasthan Royals posted a formidable total of 185/5 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to stellar performances from their batsmen. In response, Delhi Capitals fought hard but fell short, managing to score 173/5 by the end of their innings. The match witnessed intense moments, with both teams showcasing their talent and determination.
Key Players and Playing XI
The DC Playing XI for this crucial match included David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Ricky Bhui, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Sumit Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mukesh Kumar.
Impact Substitutes and Squad Depth
DC’s squad depth was evident with impact substitutes like Abhishek Porel, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Pravin Dubey, Kumar Kushgara, and Rasikh Dar ready to step in if needed.
Pant Receives Special Jersey as Tribute on 100th IPL Match
To commemorate Rishabh Pant’s remarkable achievement of playing 100 IPL matches for Delhi Capitals, the team and IPL itself especially honoured him. IPL took to their social media platform X and shared a video of the DC camp celebrating Pant’s 100th IPL game and captioned it, “A round of applause and a special jersey for Captain @RishabhPant17 who is all set to play his 100th IPL match.”
Pant was presented with a unique jersey, symbolizing his dedication and contribution to the franchise over the years. The gesture was made even more meaningful as it came from legendary cricketer and DC head coach Ricky Ponting, adding a touch of nostalgia and respect to the occasion.
Pant’s Journey: From Debut to 100 Matches
Rishabh Pant’s IPL journey began in 2016 when he made his debut for Delhi Capitals, then known as Delhi Daredevils. Since then, Pant has been a stalwart for the franchise, showcasing his batting prowess and wicketkeeping skills consistently. Despite missing one season due to a 14-month layoff following a road accident, Pant’s commitment and resilience have been unwavering.
In his 100 matches, Pant has amassed 2,856 runs at an impressive strike rate, making him a valuable asset in T20 cricket. His contributions extend beyond batting, as evidenced by his 65 catches and 19 stumpings, reflecting his proficiency as a wicketkeeper.
