Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant had a successful start as the franchise captain after his team defeated Chennai Super Kings in Mumbai on Saturday. Chasing 189, DC completed the task pretty convincingly with 7 wickets in hands and 8 balls to spare.
DC opener Shikhar Dhawan who scored 85 off 54 said that Pant kept himself cool and kept motivating the players.
“He (Rishabh Pant) did quite well. First of all, glad that he won the toss,” Dhawan said during the post-match press conference.
“He kept his calm and kept on motivating the boys,” Dhawan added.
Pant who was given the captaincy after regular skipper Shreyas Iyer was ruled out of the IPL due to injury.
Iyer had picked an injury during the England series at home. The left-handed opener further said that playing his first match as a captain, Pant did make some good calls.
“He made good changes as well. It was his first match (as captain), so I am sure it is only going to get refined from here. He has just started and with experience, I am sure, he is only going to get better,” he said.
Dhawan and Shaw had a partnership of 138 runs for the first wicket that laid the foundation of the chase. Shaw notched up a quick-fire 38-ball 72 during the course.
DC will now play Rajasthan Royals in Mumbai on April 15 while CSK will lock horns with Punjab Kings on April 16 at the Wankhede Stadium.