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Skipper Rishabh Pant’s absence from Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 has left a big hole in Delhi Capitals (DC) squad. Even after nearly two months since Pant survived the horrific car accident, Capitals are yet to announce the replacement for the wicketkeeper-batter. Ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, DC’s Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly is with players helping them prepare at the camp. Ganguly said that Pant who has undergone several surgeries since the accident may take a year or more to come back and play for India.
"I spoke to him a couple of times. Obviously he is going through a tough period, through injuries and surgeries and I wish him well. In a year's time or may be in a couple of years' time, he will be back playing for India," Ganguly told PTI in an exclusive interview.
Earlier, DC head coach Ricky Ponting had expressed that he wants Pant to be with the team during IPL if it is possible as it will boost their confidence. Ganguly is not sure whether it will be possible or not as he said, "Don't know. We will see."
Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president also revealed that the franchise is yet to zero down on Pant’s replacement as wicketkeeper-batter.
"We still need a bit of time to figure out. The next camp starts before IPL," the 50-year-old said.
Ganguly also gave an update on injured Sarfaraz Khan. The in-form batter missed the Irani Cup as he injured his finger and did not bowl or field in the three-day camp for DC players which was attended by the likes of Prithvi Shaw, Ishant Sharma, Chetan Sakariya, Manish Pandey and other domestic players.
"The IPL is still a month away and the season has just started. It is difficult to get all the players together for the amount of cricket they play. There are four or five who are playing Irani Trophy. Sarfaraz has an injured finger and it's not a broken finger. He should be okay for the IPL," he concluded.
