Delhi Capitals are one down even before a ball has been bowled in their crunch match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday.

Delhi will not have their captain, Rishabh Pant, for the game after he was handed a one-match suspension for maintaining a slow over-rate for the third time this IPL season.

Pant was also fined Rs 30 lakh for the Code of Conduct breach that took place during Delhi’s 20-run win against Rajasthan Royals on May 7.

In a desperate attempt, Delhi filed an appeal challenging this ruling of the Match Referee, which was referred to the BCCI Ombudsman for review. The Ombudsman conducted a virtual hearing and ruled that the Match Referee’s decision was final and binding.

Pant’s absence will surely be felt by Delhi, who are on 12 points, as they fight to stay in contention for a playoffs berth. For RCB, on 10 points, it’s certainly good news, given the fact that the keeper-batter has been in good form in this IPL.

But Delhi will keep their chin up, assured head coach Ricky Ponting on the match eve. All-rounder Axar Patel will lead the side against RCB in Pant’s absence.

“Axar Patel will be our captain for tomorrow (Saturday). He’s obviously been vice-captain for the last couple of seasons. He is a very experienced IPL and international player, understands the game really well. He’s really excited about it and is always involved and in tune with the game,” Ponting said.

Ponting admitted that not having Pant for a crucial match was a big miss but he said the team was ready for the grind. “Rishabh’s not there. One of the best players, you know, in this particular IPL. I think he is our leading run-scorer, and not to have him there is a loss for us. But it’s also a great challenge for everybody else,” he said.

It remains to be seen who replaces Pant in the playing XI. There was no clarity on the injured David Warner’s availability.

For RCB, who are on a roll, with four wins on the trot, it’s a golden opportunity to climb further up the standings. They can’t afford to lose actually. With Virat Kohli in prime form, and others, like Rajat Patidar, too striking it right, the home team will be confident of a win over the disadvantaged Delhi. The bowlers too have been disciplined of late for them.