Former India skipper Mohammed Azharuddin who played 334 ODIs and 99 Tests for India, on Wednesday admitted that it won’t come as a surprise for him if the management will select wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant as the Indian captain.

Azharuddin tweeted, "Rishabh Pant has had such fabulous few months, establishing himself in all formats. It won't come as a surprise if the selectors see him as a front-runner for Indian captaincy in near future. His attacking cricket will stand India in good stead in times to come,"

The former Australia skipper also said Pant deserves to lead the franchise looking at his recent performances. Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting also feels captaincy will make Pant a better player.

"Rishav grab his opportunity. It's well deserved for his recent performances and he's coming in with a lot of confidence. I'm convinced captaincy will make him an even better player," Ponting tweeted

After getting the captaincy of delhi capitals, Pant said, " Humbled at the opportunity to lead the franchise I've been part of for the past few years! Thank you Ricky Ponting, the coaching staff, management, my teammates and the fans for your faith in me. DelhiCapitals: Let's do this!”

Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2021 campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 10