Fans are super excited for wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant’s return to competitive cricket in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after his tragic accident.
Delhi Capitals (DC) are scheduled to lock horns with Punjab Kings in Mohali on March 23 and fans cannot wait to see Pant in action again.
Recently, DC head coach Ricky Ponting has revealed how he plans to use returning star Pant in IPL 2024.
Speaking on the latest episode of ‘The ICC Review’, Ponting said he is expecting Pant to captain the side from the start of the tournament should his fitness allow.
“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.
According to Ponting, Pant had done a mountain of work to try and return to the cricketing scene and the recent hitouts at the NCA should keep him in good stead.
“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,” the former Australia captain said.
“We’ve obviously had worries and concerns that he might not have made it in time to be ready for the IPL this year. I mean, he was a huge loss for us last year and what he went through, we can’t even begin to describe what he’s been through the last 12 or 14 months,” he added.