IPL 2023: 3 wicketkeepers Delhi Capitals (DC) could sign to replace Rishabh Pant

The horrific car crash of Rishabh Pant has put Delhi Capitals’ plans for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League in dizzy. DC’s Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly has confirmed Rishabh Pant’s absence from the IPL 2023. The Delhi-based franchise has already announced David Warner as the new skipper.

However, they still need to sort out their wicketkeeper conundrum. They didn’t have any back-up Indian wicketkeeper in their squad as Sarfaraz Khan is the only Indian option available. At the same time, the Mumbai batter has injured his finger ahead of the new season and there is a question mark on his availability.

While Delhi Capitals have Phil Salt as the wicketkeeper in their squad but his inclusion in the playing XI will disturb their balance of overseas slots. Hence, Delhi Capitals might opt to sign an Indian wicketkeeper ahead of the IPL 2023 to replace Rishabh Pant.

3. Mohammed Azharuddeen

The Kerala wicketkeeper-batter Mohammed Azharuddeen went unsold in the auctions ahead of the IPL 2023. The youngster is one of the most sought-after young players in the Indian domestic circuit.

The 28-year-old was a part of the RCB squad in the IPL 2022. However, Azharuddeen warmed the bench during the whole season and subsequently, the Bangalore-based franchise released him ahead of the next season. Surprisingly, the wicketkeeper went unsold during the IPL 2023 auctions.

Mohammed Azharuddeen is known for his aggressive style of batting as the youngster has a T20 career strike rate of over 134. In the absence of Rishabh Pant, the Kerala batter could be the perfect replacement for Rishabh Pant in their playing XI.