Delhi Capitals (DC), a prominent franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is eagerly anticipating the return of their star player, Rishabh Pant, for the upcoming IPL 2024 season.
Injury setback for Rishabh Pant
The wicketkeeper-batter missed the entirety of IPL 2023 due to a series of injuries sustained in a serious car crash on the Delhi-Dehradun Highway on January 1, 2023. Pant endured a challenging period of rehabilitation, undergoing three reconstructive surgeries to address the damage to all three major ligaments in his right knee.
A tale of resilience
Throughout his recovery journey, Pant has maintained open communication with fans, providing regular updates on his progress through various social media channels. His resilience and determination have become an inspiration for many, and the cricketing community eagerly awaits his return to competitive cricket.
Ricky Ponting’s perspective on Pant’s anticipated comeback for the Delhi Capitals
DC head coach, Ricky Ponting, recently offered insights into Pant’s anticipated comeback during a press conference in Melbourne. Ponting, who recently acquired the position of head coach for the Washington Freedom franchise in the Major Cricket League (MLC), expressed confidence in Pant’s readiness for IPL 2024. However, the coach acknowledged uncertainties regarding Pant’s role as a wicketkeeper in the upcoming season.
“Rishabh is very confident that he’s going to be right to play. In what capacity we’re not quite sure yet. You would have seen all the social-media stuff, he’s up and about and running well. But in saying that we’re only six weeks away from the first game as well. So we’re not sure if we’ll get wicketkeeping out of him this year,” Ponting said.
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Ponting further emphasized Pant’s strong resolve to not just return to the field but to resume his multifaceted contributions to the Delhi Capitals. He also said the team dearly missed the star player in the previous edition.
“But I’ll guarantee if I asked him now he’ll say, ‘I’m playing every game, I’m keeping every game and I’m batting at No.4.’ That’s just what he’s like, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed. He’s such a dynamic player. He’s obviously our captain. We missed him incredibly last year,” the 49-year-old concluded.
DC eye redemption in IPL 2024 after challenging 2023 season
The absence of Pant was keenly felt the Capitals in IPL 2023, where, under the leadership of David Warner, the team faced significant challenges. Starting the campaign with five consecutive defeats, they finished ninth in the points table, missing out on the playoffs for the second consecutive year. With Pant’s imminent return, the franchise will aim to turn the tide and reclaim its competitive edge in the upcoming season.
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