- Monday, February 24, 2025
The veteran actor greeted the captain of Delhi who has shown great form despite making a comeback into competitive cricket after more than a year since his car accident in December 2022.
By: Shubham Ghosh
HIS team has not been doing as per expectations in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 and have lost three of their first four games. However, Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Rishabh Pant has received a warm reception from all quarters, be it from supporters of his own team or those of the opponents, particularly after the form he has shown with the bat after returning from a long gap caused by a serious car accident in December 2022.
On Wednesday (3), Pant’s Capitals faced a humiliating defeat against an in-form Kolkata Knight Riders who first belted the opponents to score a mammoth 272 for 7 in 20 overs and then bowling them out for 166 to win by 106 runs. The defeat saw Capitals perishing at No.9 among 10 teams in the points table with only winless Mumbai Indians trailing them.
However, the 26-year-old Pant stood tall with the bat among the ruins as he scored 55 off 25 balls and added 93 runs in less than eight overs with Tristan Stubbs who made 54 in 32 balls after the Capitals were reduced to 33 for 4. After the left-hand wicket-keeper-batter’s departure, Delhi again lost quick wickets in what turned out to be a one-sided game.
Read: Delhi Capitals’ Rishabh Pant returns to cricket after 15 months, gets angry over own dismissal
SRK and Rishabh Pant's interaction is breaking the internet! Pant stands to greet SRK, but SRK insists he stay seated. With a warm hug, SRK whispers something in Pant's ear, showing us the true meaning of respect and friendship. #ShahRukhKhan #DCvKKR pic.twitter.com/lwmn6QOaHl
— Rahul Godara (@godara_rah49732) April 4, 2024
not just his films make him the king…his attitude his humility makes him ..just half baked scream and how attitude but real superstars like srk, rajni are always humble and grounded…love you srk
— Raja (@Raja85037786) April 4, 2024
And look at the way he puts hand on his head….one actor that's ageing so gracefully. Lots of respect sir @iamsrk
— ruchi ( Modi ka Parivar) (@ruchi_05) April 4, 2024
That’s respect..King SRK …
— Althaf ?????? (@althaf12000) April 4, 2024
But Pant received a boost from a special individual after the match. As he sat down on the ground after the hammering and speaking to another player, KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan approached him and the duo had a candid talk. The ace actor was also seen gesturing at Pant, asking him to remain seated, when the DC captain stood up seeing him coming. Khan then touched Pant’s head and whispered something into his ears. the entire episode went viral on social media and made the fans emotional.
Read: Sunil Narine slams 39-ball 85 to propel Kolkata to massive 272 in 20 overs
Pant, who scored 51 off 32 balls in the DC’s previous game against Chennai Super Kings that they won, admitted after the game that there was need for the entire team to step up and deliver in their remaining matches in the tournament.
“We were just all over the place (with the ball), we could have done better, and it is one of those days I feel. As a batting unit, we talked about going hard (after the target) and that’s how we approach these games because it is better to be all-out trying to go for the total than not chase it down.
“It was quite loud (the venue) and couldn’t see the timer on the screen (talking about the non-DRS moments) and there was some issue with the screen as well, there are some things you can control and some you cannot control, you just need to go with the flow,” he said.
Delhi have never won the IPL and finished runners-up in the 2020 edition, losing the final against Mumbai.
