Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, Delhi Capitals have announced that Rishabh Pant will captain the team but will be stepping back from his wicketkeeping duties for the initial seven games. This decision comes as Pant continues to recover from a severe accident in December 2022, showing commendable progress in his rehabilitation. Co-owner Parth Jindal shared insights into Rishabh Pant's current training regime, which includes wicketkeeping drills, batting, and running sessions, highlighting his determination to return to full fitness.
"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," Jindal told ESPNCricinfo.
Rishabh Pant's practice game in Alur
Pant's journey back to cricket has been inspirational, with recent practice games in Alur serving as a testament to his resilience and skill. Furthermore, Pant's social media updates, including a video of him practicing goalkeeping, have excited fans about his imminent return to the field. His leadership and dynamic playstyle are anticipated to significantly boost Delhi Capitals' performance in the upcoming season.
Pant's preparation for his comeback included participating in match simulation exercises on February 20 in Alur, Karnataka, under the close supervision of the National Cricket Academy's physio and trainers. During a T20 practice match, Pant showcased his trademark aggressive batting style, hitting a massive six and proving that his competitive edge remains sharp.
Delhi Capitals to play opening two home matches in Visakhapatnam
However, fans in Delhi will have to wait a bit longer to see their captain play at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Due to scheduling conflicts with the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024, the Delhi Capitals will host their first two home games in Visakhapatnam, located 1,787 km away. The shift is necessary to allow groundsmen adequate time to prepare the pitch post-WPL 2024, ensuring optimal playing conditions for IPL 2024.
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