Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting opens up on Rishabh Pant’s return in IPL 2024

Mar 11, 2024

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Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting opens up on Rishabh Pant’s return in IPL 2024

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Ricky Ponting, the head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC), has given the most recent update regarding Rishabh Pant‘s fitness as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 approaches. It’s worth noting that Pant has been absent from all forms of cricket since his nearly fatal car accident in December 2022. During this period, he underwent multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation after the accident occurred while he was driving solo from New Delhi to Roorkee.

Rishabh Pant Resumes Wicketkeeping at NCA

Ponting unveiled that Pant initiated wicketkeeping sessions at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. This serves as a substantial uplift for the DC and India enthusiasts who were eagerly anticipating news on the Indian cricketer.

Decision yet to be made

Ponting mentioned that the management has not yet decided whether Pant will be able to participate fully in IPL 2024, but there is no denying that the keeper has invested an immense amount of effort to make strides.

“It’s a big decision we’ll have to make because if he is fit, you’d think he’d step straight back into that captaincy role. If he’s not entirely fit and we have to use him in a slightly different role, then we’ve got some decisions to make there,” said Ponting while talking to Sanjana Ganesan on ICC review.

Also READ: Jason Roy pulls out of IPL 2024 citing personal reasons; KKR announces replacement

Pant’s progress assessed

During Pant’s absence in IPL 2023, David Warner took charge of the team but Delhi had a disappointing performance, finishing in the 9th position out of 10 teams. As the Capitals prepare for their first match on March 23 in the upcoming season, Ponting expressed confidence in Pant’s progress at the NCA.

“He’s actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us. I know he’s worked incredibly hard on his body and his fitness to get back to the level that he’s at now. He’s kept in one of those games, he’s fielded in these games and the batting hasn’t seemingly been an issue for him so far,” added Ponting.