Former New Zealand coach and commentator Mike Hesson has shared his thoughts on RISHABH PANTSThe absence for the crucial IPL 2024 clash between the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday, May 12.
Pant, the Delhi Capitals (DC) captain and star batsman, will miss their crucial IPL 2024 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday, and Hession estimated that tourists in Bengaluru will really miss the Indian star.
Notably, Pant has been suspended for one game by the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to his slow over-speeding in the 56th match of the ongoing season against Rajasthan Royals (RR). He was suspended for one match and fined Rs 30 lakh for overrating his team, violating the IPL Code of Conduct during his team’s 20-run win over RR.
Rishabh Pant’s suspension a big blow for DC: Mike Hesson
With the race for the top four heating up, a loss against RCB could severely affect DC’s chances of making the IPL 2024 playoffs. And former RCB coach Mike Hesson said he is not sure if DC can win to RCB without Pant. He also mentioned that both teams came into the match with confidence.
He said that both DC and RCB are playing very good cricket right now, but not having Pant would be a big loss for them and would make a big difference in the match. He backed RCB to win the crucial match against DC, given his form, high-level confidence and the support of the fans in Bengaluru.
Mike Hesson said on Jio Cinema: “I think two teams have a lot of confidence going into this match. So, with two matches left, RCB are flying high with four wins. You know, I think DC has won three of the last four. And, you know, they’re playing very good cricket.
So, Rishabh Pant will be missed. I think it’s a huge loss. Um, not playing this game, Axar Patel will be the captain. And for me, that will be the point of difference between the two parties. So, I think RCB will go overboard. I think, as I said, that they have a lot of confidence at this moment and will allow themselves to be carried away by the local fans.”
Ricky Ponting hints at playing David Warner vs RCB
Notably, DC are currently at fifth place in the IPL 2024 points table with 12 points from 12 games, while RCB are at seventh place with 10 points, and they would love to pick up two more points at their home in Bengaluru on Sunday against Delhi. .
Meanwhile, with Pant unavailable for the RCB vs DC clash, Ricky Ponting mentioned that they could consider an Indian middle-order player as a replacement for the crucial match. He also provided an update on David Warner, saying that the Australian debutant missed the last match due to a hand injury, but that he has been training well and could be available for selection.
Ponting also hinted at the possibility of changing the bowling line-up to counter RCB’s strong top order. He said DC can use Jhye Richardson as a specialist new-ball bowler to target early wickets against RCB.