The Delhi Capitals have faced four losses in their last five matches, bringing them down to the third spot on the IPL points table. And players like Rishabh Pant aren’t performing up to the level expected from them. The wicketkeeper-batsman has only scored 274 runs in 10 games in the tournament, at an average of 30.44 and a strike rate of 112.29.

Australian all-rounder Tom Moody weighed in on Pant’s recent form, and said that Pant wasn’t in the best shape before the start of the league. “I think one of the things that have derailed IPL to this point is because of how he arrived at the IPL. From my understanding, his condition was not in a place it needed to be in,” Moody said during an interaction on ESPNCricinfo.

“I respect the fact that everyone has been in lockdown and there have been challenges around that, but to me, there is no excuse. Absolutely, no excuse. We are not playing in the 80s or the 70s,” Moody further said.

Rishabh Pant Should Be More Like Virat Kohli

Moody added that Pant should have followed the example of Virat Kohli, who is a cricketer who pays close attention to his fitness levels.

“The Indian team has arguably the best of the role models when it comes to preparations and welfare in their captain in Virat Kohli. So, there is absolutely no excuse,” Moody added.

“So, that derailed Pant not only physically but also mentally. And then he got injured. Surprise, surprise. I wonder why he got injured. Because his condition was nowhere near where it needed to be.

“You need to help the player regain his focus and understanding. Understand and accept the mistakes, and put it behind and move forward in a positive direction,” Moody concluded.