Rishabh Pant is anticipated to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024. Fans eagerly await his comeback, especially since he last played in December 2022 due to an injury from a car accident that kept him out throughout 2023. As the captain of the Delhi Capitals, Pant’s absence was felt, with former England captain Nasser Hussain noting the global anticipation for his return.
While KL Rahul took over wicketkeeping duties in Pant’s stead and performed admirably, Pant’s stellar record, especially against England, stands out. His impactful contributions in Test cricket, amassing 2271 runs in 33 matches since his debut in August 2018, underscore his significance to India’s team dynamics.
Naseer Hussain says: “That was such a serious accident. The whole world held its breath and it has been a slow recovery,” Hussain is quoted as saying by the ICC. Hussain said that he had seen former Australia captain and commentator Ricky Ponting, who is the head coach of DC, keeping track of Pant.
“You follow on social media, on my phone and the initial first walking steps to the scenes in the gym and then scenes of him playing a bit of cricket, scenes of him with Ricky (Ponting). I travelled with Ricky in the summer in the Ashes, and Ricky was texting him ‘how’s the progress coming along’, and he is a box office cricketer.”
England has frequently faced Rishabh Pant’s formidable innings, especially in Test matches, where he has amassed 781 runs in 12 innings against them, including three centuries and four half-centuries. While KL Rahul stepped in as India’s main wicketkeeper during Pant’s absence and performed commendably, Pant remains a top pick for the team whenever he’s fit.
Pant’s contributions to India in Test cricket are evident, with 2271 runs in 33 matches since his debut in August 2018, boasting an average of 43.67, including five centuries and 11 half-centuries. His aggressive approach, particularly batting lower down the order, has been pivotal in some of India’s memorable Test victories.
“India have done well without him (Pant) as KL has come in and been brilliant in all formats,” Hussain added. “They’ll continue to be brilliant. They’re lucky to have both of them, but Rishabh Pant, before his injury, was box office, and hopefully after his injury, will be box office as well.”
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