Why did Pant, who scored only 16 runs in the match against Gujarat, get the Player of the Match award?

IPL 2024: On Wednesday, in the 32nd match of IPL 2024, Delhi Capitals defeated Gujarat Titans by 6 wickets. DC bowlers bowled out GT for 89 runs in 17.3 overs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In reply, Delhi easily achieved the target in 8.9 overs. DC captain and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant scored 16 runs in 11 balls, which included a four and a six. Pant was given the Player of the Match award. This is his seventh POTM in IPL.

Pant was chosen Player of the Match not for his batting but for his excellent wicketkeeping against Gujarat. He showed enthusiasm behind the wicket and sent four players to the pavilion. He got David Miller (2), Rashid Khan (31) caught while Abhinav Manohar (8) and Shahrukh Khan (0) were stumped. Pant played an important role in defeating GT. Player of the match awards are not usually given for wicketkeeping.

Pant said after winning the award, ‘There are many things to be happy about. We talked about champion mentality and our team showed today that we can play that way. Really happy to see this. ‘One of the best’, he said of the bowling. It is the beginning of the tournament, nothing more can be said as we can improve individually. ‘Wanted to be the best on the field. This was the only thought that was in my mind while I was recovering.

Delhi won against GT with 67 balls remaining. This is DC’s biggest win in terms of balls remaining. Overall this is the seventh biggest win of IPL. Delhi has secured third position in the points table. DC has come at number six out of nine. The Pant Brigade has won three out of seven matches so far and lost four. Delhi’s next match is against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 20 April.