Ravichandran Ashwin backs Rishabh Pant appointment as Delhi Capitals skipper

SUSANNA SEALY: The India keeper-batter has replaced the injury-stricken Shreyas Iyer ahead of the Indian Premier League

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Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Rishabh Pant to ably fill the void left by Shreyas Iyer as Delhi Capitals captain. 

The keeper-batsman will lead Capitals during the Indian Premier League after 26 year-old batter Iyer dislocated his shoulder whilst fielding at cover in the first one-day international between India and England in Pune.

Last year's runners-up kick-off their campaign against Chennai Super Kings in Mumbai on Saturday (April 10).

"We have to give him a chance and wait and see what he does," he told The New Indian Express. "He comes from a modest background. He has a simple attitude in life and has made a comeback of sorts recently. I wish him all the best and hope that he can deliver.

"(Iyer) is a very important player for us. This is my second year, but he has been with the team for a long time and delivered. The team will miss him especially the way he was batting."

Gearing up for his second campaign with Capitals, Ashwin believes reigning champions Mumbai Indians start the 14th edition of the competition as favourites for the title.

Rohit Sharma's side are chasing a sixth title and third in a row - a streak that has never been completed before.

"Every team is strong and I am not making a diplomatic statement," he added. "But I definitely think Mumbai has got a powerful and experienced squad. Mumbai will always start as favourites in this competition. I think Mumbai is the team to beat.

On DC's chances of going one better than last year's runners-up finish, the India spinner added: "Last year, our batting did not come well together. It was understandable due to lockdown and all that. But this year, in the kind of form in which Rishabh is, definitely that (team’s batting) also will get sorted out. We have a good chance. 

"But if you see the last few years, it is not always about the top two or three sides. Every team picks players judiciously and have good balance and options. The IPL is in a new caravan model so conditions also will play a part."

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