IPL 2022 | Were a bit nervous due to Covid-19 concerns, admits Rishabh Pant

Delhi Capitals (DC) became the first (so far the only) side in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 to be hit by Covid-19. There have been six positive cases of coronavirus already, with the latest who got infected was Tim Seifert. Skipper Rishabh Pant, following the rising numbers of the Covid-19 cases in their camp, felt that they were in danger to compete in IPL 2022 any further.

The swashbuckling wicket-keeper was asked how he and his team management felt after Covid-19 entered their camp following their resounding nine-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Wednesday (April 20) at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. Pant admitted that there was a lot of tension regarding the matter, but their primary focus had always been on the match.

“There was a lot of confusion because we learnt of the positive test in the morning (Tim Seifert). We were a bit nervous and there were talks of the game getting cancelled. But we spoke as a team that we must purely focus on the match,” Pant replied at the post-match presentation.

DC, after skittling out the PBKS for 115 in 20 overs, chased down the target in just 10.3 overs. Prithvi Shaw and David Warner starred with bat, scoring 20-ball 41 and an unbeaten 30-ball 60 respectively to get the job done in a hurry. Pant, when asked about his message to them, said that he does not need to speak anything to them because they are well aware of their responsibilities.

“Mostly, I like to leave them (Warner and Shaw) alone because they know their roles. Delhi Capitals has to go through every game. Results are not in our control, but we have to give everything in our games. 

"On a wicket like this, after one or two overs, I saw the ball was stopping a bit and I thought I should use more spin. I thought 150 would be a good enough score to stop them at," Pant added.

DC will next meet Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Friday (April 22) in Match 36 of IPL 2022 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.