Indian cricket sensation Rishabh Pant is said to be in top form as the National Cricket Academy (NCA) declares him fully fit for the imminent Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.
Pant, who faced an extended period of injury-induced absence, is anticipated to make a highly awaited comeback in IPL 2024. As per an IANS report, the Delhi Capitals (DC) captain has obtained his fitness certification from the NCA.
This development is sure to bring joy to fans, considering Rishabh Pant has been out of action since enduring several injuries in a car crash in December 2022. The 26-year-old appears to have fully recovered and is poised for a comeback to cricketing action.
In Pant’s absence last season, David Warner led DC. Unfortunately, the team had a lackluster performance, falling short of qualifying for the playoffs. They secured only five wins out of 14 matches, concluding the season in the second-to-last position on the points table.
“He was a huge loss for us last year” – Ricky Ponting views on Rishabh Pant
DC head coach Ricky Ponting has suggested that Rishabh Pant is likely to resume captaincy duties for the team in IPL 2024, provided he is fully fit. Ponting hinted that if not, the team management might explore utilizing him in a different capacity.
Discussing the ICC Review, the ex-Australian captain mentioned:
“It’s a big decision we’ll have to make because if he (Rishabh Pant) is fit, you’d think he’d step straight back into that captaincy role. If he’s not entirely fit and we have to use him in a slightly different role, then we’ve got some decisions to make there.”
Providing a progress report on Pant’s recuperation, Ponting mentioned that the promising young player has participated in several practice matches leading up to IPL 2024. Additionally, he has taken on the role of wicketkeeping in one of those matches. He further added:
“He’s actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us.”
”I know he’s worked incredibly hard on his body and his fitness to get back to the level that he’s at now. He’s kept in one of those games, he’s fielded in these games and the batting hasn’t seemingly been an issue for him so far.”
“We’ve obviously had worries and concerns that he might not have made it in time to be ready for the IPL this year. I mean, he was a huge loss for us last year and what he went through, we can’t even begin to describe what he’s been through the last 12 or 14 months.” said Ponting.
Delhi is set to kick off their IPL 2024 season with a match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mohali on March 23.
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