Rishabh Pant has been one of the finest wicket-keeper batters for India in the Test format. The 26-year-old batter has been out of action for over a year now due to the fatal car accident he suffered while travelling back to his hometown to surprise his mother. Pant has been rehabbing and has been batting in the nets. Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper was said to have been used as an impact player in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
But as per the recent development, head coach Ricky Ponting believes Pant will play the full IPL season. He was involved in a tragic vehicle accident on December 30, 2022, which has kept him away from the game since. The wicketkeeper-batter has returned to light workout routines and has even been observed at India’s matches in recent months.
Pant was anticipated to return to the IPL this year after missing last year’s tournament, the ODI World Cup, and a few important Test matches. While Ponting believes the 26-year-old is ready to return, he is unsure whether Pant will take over as wicketkeeper or captain. Though their team director Sourav Ganguly confirmed previously he will take up the captaincy as well.
‘Rishabh is very confident that he’s going’: Ricky Ponting on Rishabh Pant
Ponting said, “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. 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. If you understand the journey he’s been on the last 12-13 months, it was a horrific incident. One that I know he feels very lucky to have even survived, let alone have the chance to play cricket again.”
