Parth Jindal, the owner of Delhi Capitals, mentioned that Rishabh Pant won’t take up wicketkeeping duties in the initial seven games of IPL 2024. Jindal expressed his belief in Pant’s fitness and confirmed he looked in good form.
Following a serious accident in December 2022, Pant has made considerable strides, featuring in practice matches in Alur and sharing an Instagram video showcasing his wicketkeeping skills. Pant’s comeback is anticipated to be a substantial lift for the Capitals.
In a conversation with ESPN Cricinfo, the team owner expressed the following:
“Rishabh is batting. He’s running. He has started his wicketkeeping. He is likely to be fully fit for the IPL. I am expecting Rishabh to play IPL and he will lead from match one. First seven games, we are going to play him only as a batter and depending on how his body reacts, we will take a call for the rest of the IPL.”
Despite Andre Nortje sitting out several recent matches due to a back injury, Jindal confirmed that the South African pacer is ready for their opening game.
“He’s fit. Right now, he is bowing at 80% intensity. Next week, he will bowl at 100%. He’s going to make his comeback in the IPL. He is going to join our camp and should be good to go for our first game,” Jindal said.
Having joined the Capitals in 2020, Nortje has consistently been part of their lineup, securing 53 wickets for the franchise. In the 2020 edition alone, he claimed 22 wickets at an average of 23.27.
Despite this, Nortje faced notable absences in key tournaments like the 2023 World Cup, SA20, and the multi-format series against India.
“The team gets much better when Rishabh Pant is back”- Parth Jindal
Jindal expressed anticipation about witnessing performances from players like Tristan Stubbs and Mitchell Marsh in the lucrative league.
“We feel very confident, the balance of the team is a lot better with Rishabh Pant coming back in. We have a very good squad and a lot of options with players like Tristan Stubbs, who had a phenomenal SA20. and Mitch Marsh becoming captain of Australia’s T20I team.”
The Capitals are scheduled to have their opening match in IPL 2024 against Punjab Kings in Mohali on March 23.
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