Rishabh Pant is on the verge of making a comeback to the cricket field, with strong indications that he will participate in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, in sports news cricket. The Delhi Capitals management has officially confirmed that the talented Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, who has been sidelined for almost a year, will lead the franchise in the 2024 IPL season.
According to management officials, Pant, currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, is expected to regain full fitness by the end of February. However, his active participation in IPL games hinges on receiving clearance from the NCA managers.
After undergoing knee surgery on his right knee, performed by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala in Mumbai, following a near-fatal accident on New Year’s Eve last year, and grappling with injuries to his back and ankles, there remains uncertainty about Pant’s ability to take on wicketkeeping duties during the IPL matches.
Rishabh Pant to lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024
Franchise officials have indicated that he will assume wicketkeeping responsibilities only if cleared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI); otherwise, he will focus on batting and fielding. This dispels speculations that the 26-year-old player might be utilized solely as an Impact Player by the team. A franchise official emphasized, “If he is not keeping, he will definitely be on the field and will lead the side.”
The Delhi Capitals deeply felt Pant’s absence in the previous IPL season, where they finished ninth in the points table. The Capitals are now pinning their hopes on their inspirational leader to orchestrate a turnaround in their fortunes in the upcoming season.
Since January 2023, India has played 62 internationals, and Pant has missed several significant games, including the four-Test home series against Australia, the 2023 IPL, the series in the West Indies, Ireland, the Asia Cup, and the World Cup. He is also likely to be unavailable for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan and the crucial five-Test series against England in February and March. Furthermore, he is already ruled out for the ongoing series against South Africa.
Also read: Jofra Archer set to miss IPL 2024 as ECB looks to manage his workload ahead of T20 World Cup
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