DC captain Rishabh Pant hopeful of playoffs qualification after tense win vs MI

New Delhi,UPDATED: Apr 27, 2024 20:25 IST

DC captain Rishabh Pant was happy after Delhi kept themselves in the race for IPL play-offs with a thrilling 10-run win over MI in the IPL 2024 match on Saturday. McGurk showcased his ability to hit big shots in the scorching Delhi heat, smashing a blazing 84 off just 27 balls. His explosive innings propelled DC to a formidable total of 257 for four, despite being put in to bat first. Chasing 258, Tilak Varma's resilient 63 and Hardik Pandya's aggressive 46 offered MI glimmer of hope. However, the relentless bowling attack of Delhi, led by Rasikh Salam who claimed figures of 3/34, consistently broke through MI's defenses, restricting them to 247 for 9. With this victory, DC climbed to fifth spot in the standings, while MI continued to languish in 9th place.

Pant reflected on the challenges posed by the impact player rule in cricket, especially in the context of a competitive game where even a good score above 250 may not be sufficient. Expressing the intricacies of his role as a wicketkeeper, he highlighted the importance of adapting strategies such as coming up to the stumps, particularly against pacers bowling full and wide. Despite the difficulties, Pant emphasized the necessity of such tactics to keep batters contained within the crease. His acknowledgment of the successful execution against a formidable opponent like David showcased the tactical awareness and adaptability crucial for success in the modern game.

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"We were pretty happy with the score being moving past 250. But with the impact player rule coming into play, it is becoming difficult with each passing the game. Definitely, I can do that (wicketkeeper coming up to the stumps). With the pacers bowling it full and wide, it's a bit difficult, but you have to do it to keep the batters inside the crease. The bowler also should be confident, but with a batter like David was walking down, and today it worked," Rishabh Pant said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Pant also praised the performance of Fraser-McGurk, recognizing the young player's consistent improvement and contribution to the team's prospects. His focus on taking each day and match as it comes, without getting ahead of themselves, reflected a grounded approach towards achieving success.

"Fraser-McGurk has been amazing since the first day, and this is what you want from a younger player; he's getting better and better with each game. Our chances are increasing day by day. Just taking one day and one match at a time. Not thinking too much ahead," Pant added.