Delhi Capitals fans rejoice! Star wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant is on track for a remarkable comeback in the upcoming IPL 2024 season, and coach Ricky Ponting has revealed exciting plans for his return.
From Recovery to Captaincy Contender: Rishabh Pant
Following a serious car accident in December 2022, Rishabh Pant has been on a determined journey to return to the cricket field. His recent participation in practice matches alongside Hardik Pandya at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) serves as a positive sign for his recovery.
In a recent interview with Sanjana Ganesan on The ICC Review, Ricky Ponting hinted at Pant’s potential return as captain. “If he’s fit, you’d think he’d step straight back into that captaincy role,” Ponting said, acknowledging fitness as the deciding factor.
Dedication and hard work paves way: Ricky Ponting
Ponting commended Pant’s immense dedication to his recovery, highlighting his participation in practice games. “He’s actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us,” Ponting stated. These matches indicate Pant’s progress and provide hope for his participation in the Delhi Capitals’ opening match against the Punjab Kings on March 23rd.
A Global Yearning for Rishabh Pant return
Ricky Ponting expressed his own desire, and the sentiments of fans worldwide, for Pant’s return. “I’m very hopeful… I think the whole world wants to see him back playing cricket again,” he said. Pant’s absence last season was a major loss, and his return promises an injection of his signature “youthful exuberance” into the game.
Natural Talent to overcome gap in IPL 2024
Acknowledging the time Rishabh Pant has missed, Ricky Ponting expressed confidence in his ability to adapt quickly. “Knowing Rishabh, it probably won’t [take time to adjust] because he’s such a natural talent,” Ponting explained. He believes Pant’s inherent talent and fearless approach will allow him to seamlessly transition back into the game.
Preparing for Success with Delhi Capitals
Ponting emphasized the role of recent practice matches in readying Rishabh Pant for the challenges ahead. “That’s what these practice games now have been for… to get his skills and his mindset back into a place where he can just go out and play the way that he’s always played,” Ponting said.
With a focused approach and his trademark style, Rishabh Pant’s return to the Delhi Capitals as captain is a possibility that has fans and coach alike brimming with excitement. The upcoming IPL 2024 season promises a thrilling comeback story for this talented young cricketer.
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