Delhi Capitals (DC) is likely to hand over the captaincy to Australian skipper David Warner, as Rishabh Pant is unlikely to participate in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL 2023).

According to recent reports, Warner may be in line to replace Pant as the captain for the next edition. The top scorer will be seen as someone who can take over the role as captain in the absence of India's keeper-batsman.

Pant is currently being treated for the injuries he sustained in a tragic car accident on the Delhi-Dehradun highway in the early hours of December 30. It is not yet known when he will return to action, and he may be left out of IPL 2023.

DC team management is expected to speak to Warner about the director in the coming days. Also, Sarfaraz Khan can provide wicket cover for the season if Pant is unable to support him in time.

Here's what someone close to DC told to news channel: "Rishabh Pant has been the mainstay of the middle-order. David Warner has the experience of leading IPL teams. The management will speak to him. The middle-order needs an impactful batter now. Sarfaraz Khan will be asked to keep wickets if the combination asks for it. Meanwhile, the team will be looking for a domestic wicketkeeper or a strong batter."

Significantly, Pant was made the captain of the Delhi-based franchise before the 2021 season. Under his leadership, the team finished top of the league. However, they did not qualify for the finals, losing to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Qualifier 2.

The Rishabh Pant-led team had a lackluster campaign in the past, failing to qualify for an important tournament. With seven wins and as many losses in 14 matches, the Chiefs finished fifth in IPL 2022.

David Warner appears to be the favorite to lead DC in the next edition of the tournament without Rishabh Pant. The swashbuckling flyhalf has enjoyed success as the captain of an IPL team in the past.

Warner was appointed the captain of SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2015. He led the team to a championship in 2016, which remains their only IPL title till date.

David Warner was unceremoniously sacked as SRH captain halfway through IPL 2021. He was not booked by the franchise before the mega auction, and DC hired him for Rs. 6.25 crore.

It should be mentioned that DC is one of the few teams that have never won the IPL trophy. They reached the top flight in 2020 but did not clear the final hurdle and suffered a heart-breaking defeat to Mumbai Indians (MI).