David Warner shares heartfelt message for Rishabh Pant after becoming skipper of Delhi for Indian T20 League 2023

Australian batter David Warner is all set to lead the Delhi franchise in the upcoming season of the Indian T20 League. He will take the charge as Rishabh Pant will miss the tournament due to accident-related injuries.

Meanwhile, Warner left a priceless message for Pant before taking charge of the team. The left-hander said that he will lead the team to glory in Pant’s absence and wished him a speedy recovery on behalf of the whole Delhi franchise.

“We are motivated every season, but we are motivated even more to lift the title this year in your absence. We are going to be on the journey of your recovery with you. We are going to send some special messages and hopefully, you can come to one of our games,” Warner said in a statement by the franchise.

“On behalf of the Delhi Franchise family, I would like to wish you all the best and a speedy recovery,” he further added.

The two-time World Cup winner for Australia will lead an Indian T20 League side for the second time. He previously led the Hyderabad Franchise from 2015-2021. Under his captaincy, the Orange Army won its maiden title in the year 2016. During the 2021 season, he was removed from captaincy after a series of losses. He was then released by the franchise before the 2022 season and picked by Delhi.

Axar Patel appointed as the vice-captain

The 36-year-old expressed his gratitude after being appointed as the skipper, saying that he has ‘big shoes to fill.’ Along with Warner, Axar Patel has been selected as the vice-captain for the 2023 season.

“I am honoured to be named captain of the Delhi Franchise alongside Axar being named vice-captain. We have big shoes to fill,” the Australian battery further stated.

The 16th edition of the Indian T20 League will kickstart on March 31st with the game between Gujarat and Chennai. The 2020 finalists will begin their campaign with a match against the Lucknow franchise on the next day.