Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting revealed that Rishabh Pant, despite his confidence in playing the entire IPL, may only be available as a batter due to his recent car accident and subsequent ligament surgeries. Ponting expressed uncertainty regarding Pant’s role, stating that if he can’t fulfill wicketkeeping duties, he might solely focus on batting or serve as an Impact Player in the tournament, slated to commence in March.
Rocky Pointing said: “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.” “We’ll just keep our fingers crossed and hope that he can be out there and play. Even if it’s not all the games, if we can manage him through 10 of the 14 games or whatever that might be then whatever games you can get out of him will be a bonus.”
“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.”
Pant’s optimism about his participation in the IPL remains unwavering, but his role within the team will depend on his recovery and fitness level. Ponting’s comments underscore the team’s flexibility and willingness to adapt to Pant’s situation, prioritizing his well-being while also leveraging his cricketing skills effectively. The upcoming IPL season holds both anticipation and uncertainty regarding Pant’s role and performance for the Delhi Capitals.
Ponting affirmed that in the event of Pant’s unavailability, David Warner, who captained the Capitals last season, would lead the team. Additionally, the franchise acquired young English batsman Harry Brook for Rs 4 crore in the previous auction. Despite Ponting’s satisfaction with the squad, he admitted that the team has not met expectations in the past two seasons.
Pointing concluded by saying: “With Harry Brook coming into the set-up as well, so Warner, [Mitch] Marsh, Harry Brook, we’ve got some really good overseas batters.”
“Marsh and Warner will bat up the top somewhere and Harry Brook has been finishing off with England, so he’ll probably play a finishing role for us there.”
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