IPL 2022: Unless he contributes, DC will continue to struggle – Sanjay Manjrekar on Rishabh Pant’s form

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar reckons Delhi Capitals will continue to struggle unless Rishabh Pant contributes with the bat.

Pant has been getting off to starts in the ongoing season of the IPL but he has failed to convert them into substantial scores.

There is no doubt that the Delhi Capitals are reliant on the shoulders of David Warner, who has done the lion’s share of the scoring for the team. The Capitals suffered a huge blow as Prithvi Shaw was hospitalized due to high fever. Furthermore, their season has been plagued by Covid-19 cases in their camp.

On the other hand, Pant has scored 281 runs in 10 innings at an average of 31.22 and a strike rate of 152.71. In fact, Pant has failed to even score a single fifty in the ongoing season.

As the middle-order has failed to contribute to Delhi Capitals’ success, it has led to the downfall of the team.

Sanjay Manjrekar said while talking to ESPN Cricinfo, “When Prithvi Shaw was there, Delhi had another dangerous batter. If David Warner is scoring at 140, Shaw was striking at 150. Rishabh Pant will have to score runs. He will have to show some consistency, otherwise Delhi’s batting looks really weak. Unless he contributes, DC will continue to struggle in the batting department.”

Furthermore, Mitchell Marsh has also failed to deliver the goods while batting at number three for the Capitals.

“Mitchell Marsh doesn’t look confident yet in the IPL. Some overseas players need some time to settle down and feel comfortable. I feel Delhi will still back him to come good.”

Delhi has been inconsistent throughout the season as they have managed only five wins in 11 games but Manjrekar feels they can qualify for the playoff stages.

“Delhi has big players and has quality in both pace and spin. A couple of players are not in form yet. If Prithvi Shaw comes back, it will help. I think they will push and prod their way into the top four.”

Delhi will face Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday.