Big blow to Delhi Capitals ahead of RCB clash, BCCI slaps Rishabh Pant with one match suspension and hefty fine

Ahead of the must-win clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Rishabh Pant has been suspended for one match and slapped with a fine of Rs 30 lakh for breaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) code of conduct. DC maintained a slow over-rate during the clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on May 7.
 

This was Pant's third offense of the season. In addition, the rest of the members of the Playing XI including the impact player Rasikh Dar Salam have been fined Rs 12 lakh or 50 per cent of their match fees, whichever is lesser.

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DC's appeal denied  

However, DC have filed an appeal challenging the ruling of the match referee. The issue has been referred to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ombudsman for review. Following the appeal, a virtual hearing was conducted and the match referee's decision was upheld.

Crucial game for Delhi Capitals

DC are currently fifth on the points table with six wins from 12 games. A win against RCB will boost their chances of qualifying for the playoff. Also, if RCB lose, they will be knocked out of the playoff contention. 

Who will captain Delhi Capitals?

In Pant's absence, David Warner is likely to don the captaincy hat. However, he has missed a few games due to injury. The Australian opener captained DC in the previous season when Pant was recovering from the injuries he suffered in the horrific accident. 

If Warner isn't fit to play, spin all-rounder Axar Patel may lead the side. Also, Shai Hope is the current captain of the West Indies side. He is another candidate to lead West Indies in Pant's absence. Hope has led West Indies in 20 games. The Caribbean side has won nine, lost 10 whereas one ended in a tie.
 

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