Rishabh Pant is set to make a much-awaited return in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He is expected to take on the captain role for the Delhi Capitals.
After completing a rigorous rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, Pant is anticipated to return to complete well-being most probably at the end of February.
After an unlucky string of setbacks that prevented him from playing for a large portion of the international cricket season, he is making his much-anticipated comeback.
The Delhi Capitals’ management, in an official statement, expressed optimism about Pant’s return, citing his invaluable leadership qualities.
Sources within the franchise have revealed that Pant, even if not taking up wicket-keeping duties initially, will be leading the team on the field—a testament to the team’s confidence in his strategic acumen and cricketing prowess.
While the final green light for Pant’s active participation in IPL 2024 rests with the National Cricket Academy official, there is palpable excitement among fans to witness the dynamic batter back in action.
The franchise official commented, “If he is not keeping, he will definitely be on the field and will lead the side,” dispelling earlier speculations that Pant might be used selectively as an Impact Player.
As per the earlier reports, team officials claimed that Pant’s primary focus will be on his batting and fielding skills, with wicket-keeping responsibilities to be assumed only upon clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
This strategic approach aims to ensure Pant’s full recovery and sustained performance throughout the IPL season.
The confirmation of Pant’s return was delivered by none other than former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who serves as the team director for the Delhi Capitals. “He’s (Pant) good now. He will play in the IPL next season,” Ganguly confirmed.
The Delhi Capitals, who faced a challenging IPL 2023 campaign culminating in a ninth-place finish on the points table, sorely missed Pant’s explosive batting and leadership on the field.
The team is counting on Pant’s inspirational presence to spark a change in the team’s fortunes in the forthcoming season, as his comeback is imminent.
Pant has been regularly absent from international cricket since January 2023. World Cup, Asia Cup, the West Indies and Ireland tours, 2023 IPL, are among the top mega events that are missed by Pant due to his injuries.
Unfortunately, he is also likely to miss the vital five-Test series against England in February and March, as well as the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan.
Pant is currently ruled out of the ongoing series against South Africa.
