Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer has issued a warning for wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant ahead of Delhi Capitals return. Notably, following the completion of the IPL 2026 season, the Capitals and the Lucknow Super Giants completed a high-profile trade where Pant was secured by the Capitals at a revised fee of INR 15 crore, while the Super Giants got Kuldeep Yadav at INR 13.50 crore.
Following a disastrous two-year campaign at the helm of LSG, Pant had stepped down from his role of captaincy, before being traded to his former franchise.
However, now that Pant is set to be back with the Delhi-based franchise, there is a debate about the franchise’s captaincy plan. Currently, Axar Patel is leading the side, but according to reports, Pant could be handed the reins of the team for the 2027 season. However, amidst the ongoing discussions, former India opener Wasim Jaffer has opined that Pant should stay away from captaincy even if it is offered to him. According to Jaffer, Pant’s immediate priority should be working on his form and getting better at it, and should avoid additional responsibility.
“If Delhi Capitals even offer him the captaincy, I think it is better for him to say no. I think it is better for him to play as a player because his performance has come down,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.
Captaincy Won’t be His Priority: Wasim Jaffer on Rishabh Pant’s Leadership Role in IPL
Notably, even under Axar Patel’s captaincy, the Capitals failed to make a mark and only managed to finish sixth in the standings. The franchise recorded seven wins in 14 games and missed the playoffs for a fifth straight season. While questions has been raised on Patel’s leadership, Jaffer believes that captaincy won’t be Pant’s priority in the forthcoming IPL season.
Per him, the 28-year-old would aim to get back into the T20I and ODI scenario. “I feel Rishabh’s priority will likely be to perform well in the IPL and make his way back into the T201 and ODI teams. Captaincy won’t be his priority because he is not currently in India’s leadership group where he could become the captain,” Jaffer said.
“I think he needs to keep that aside and focus on performing as a batter, winning matches for his franchise as a batsman. I think that is what is best for Rishabh Pant,” he added. Jaffer further suggested that if the Capitals are seeking change in their leadership role, they can have KL Rahul shouldering the responsibility.
“The way KL has done it, he is enjoying his time as a player. There is a lot of pressure when you have to lead a franchise, the pressure from the owners, the expectations, the pressure from the fans, plus you have to focus on your own performance. On top of that, he (Pant) is also a wicketkeeper and has to bat,” Jaffer asserted.