‘Say no to captaincy’: Ex-India cricketer’s big warning for Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant’s return to Delhi Capitals has reignited discussions around the franchise’s leadership structure, with former India opener Wasim Jaffer issuing a clear warning against assigning the captaincy to the wicketkeeper-batter. Jaffer, speaking on his YouTube channel, advised Pant to decline the role if offered, emphasizing that his primary focus should remain on restoring his form as a player. Pant rejoined DC following the 2026 IPL season after a trade with Lucknow Super Giants, during which he accepted a pay cut of Rs 12 crore to join the Delhi-based team. The trade saw Pant valued at Rs 15 crore, while left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav moved to Lucknow for Rs 13.50 crore. Pant previously led LSG for two seasons, but the franchise struggled with poor results, finishing seventh in 2025 and last in 2026. Jaffer pointed out that Pant’s current performance has declined and that stepping up as a leader would add unnecessary pressure. “If Delhi Capitals even offer him the captaincy, I think it is better for him to say no,” Jaffer stated. He argued that Pant’s immediate goal should be to regain consistency in his batting and establish himself as a reliable performer for both his franchise and the national team. Jaffer further noted that Pant’s absence from India’s leadership group means he is unlikely to take on a captaincy role soon. Instead, he urged the wicketkeeper-batter to prioritize his role as a player. “I think he needs to keep that aside and focus on performing as a batter, winning matches for his franchise as a batsman,” Jaffer said. He suggested that KL Rahul might be a more suitable option for the captaincy, citing Rahul’s ability to enjoy his role as a player without the burden of leadership. Rahul, who has been a consistent performer for DC, has managed to maintain a balance between playing and leading. Jaffer highlighted the challenges of being a captain, including the pressure from owners, fans, and the need to manage one’s own performance. “There is a lot of pressure when you have to lead a franchise,” he explained. “The pressure from the owners, the expectations, the pressure from the fans, plus you have to focus on your own performance.” Delhi Capitals, under the guidance of new coach Sourav Ganguly, now faces a challenging decision regarding their captaincy. Axar Patel, who took charge of the team in the 2026 IPL, led them to a sixth-place finish with seven wins from 14 matches. However, his tenure has been questioned, particularly given the team’s failure to qualify for the playoffs for a fifth straight season. With Pant’s potential return to the captaincy, DC must weigh the risks associated with adding another layer of responsibility to a player still finding his rhythm. The franchise is also looking to fill the captaincy role ahead of the upcoming mini-auction, where they may seek additional talent. While Rahul remains a viable option, the lack of other strong candidates could force DC to consider alternatives. As the situation unfolds, the focus will remain on how Pant balances his role as a player with the possibility of taking on leadership responsibilities. For now, Jaffer’s advice suggests that staying focused on performance is the best path forward for Pant.