"Earlier, he used to come and start by saying 'Mai ye kardunga, mai vo karunga'" - Axar Patel on how Rishabh Pant has 'matured' after his comeback 

Delhi Capitals (DC) all-rounder Axar Patel believes franchise captain Rishabh Pant has matured and grown more patient after his car accident in December 2020 and the ensuing one-and-a-half year away from competitive cricket.

Pant made his comeback in IPL 2024 after undergoing surgeries, months of rehabilitation, and strength building procedures. He hasn't been at his best so far as captain and a batter in eight matches, which isn't unexpected after such a big lay-off. But there have been postive signs both one and off the field.

"I think he's more mature and patient now compared to the Rishabh Pant of 1.5 years ago," Axar told journalists at a DC event on Monday. "He speaks with a lot of maturity now. Earlier, he used to come and start by saying 'Mai ye kardunga, mai vo karunga' (I'll do this, I achieve that). But now he understands that that's not how it works so he shows a lot of patience and says 'Mai time luunga, mai match finish karne ka dekhunga' (I'll take my time and try and finish the games)."

"Obviously, his natural game and shots are still there. But now I feel he's more mature, calmer and doesn't get too angry either about someone or the other doing something wrong," he added.

Overall, Pant has 254 runs at an average of 36.29 and a strike rate of 150.30 this season. His wicketkeeping has been top-notch, though, and looks to be a direct result of him coming back leaner and more limber.

"Selectors won't select T20 teams just on the basis of the IPL" - Axar Patel

Axar's performances hasn't been quite upto the mark either in IPL 2024. He hasn't got too many adequate batting opportunities due to the Impact Player rule while he has managed six wickets in eight games at an average of 31.83.

When asked about if he's worried that the national selectors might just look at IPL numbers to select the team for the 2024 T20 World Cup, Axar replied in negative and sounded an optimistic note on their pragmatism.

"Neither I have to think about these things, nor I have to make the selections. But obviously, I can't say anything about that. As a player, all I know is that they won't select just on the basis of the IPL. I have been playing T20s for India for the last couple of years. They know we have a set template and they'd pick according to which player fits which slots the best," he stated.

DC will play their next match of IPL 2024 against Gujarat Titans in Delhi on Wednesday, April 24.