Delhi Capitals' (DC) star wicketkeeper-batter and captain Rishabh Pant has shared a major update on his fitness. In a video with DC right ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in Dubai on December 19, Pant said that his condition has improved, and he anticipates being fit in the coming months. He is currently in Dubai for the IPL auction.
Pant's recovery progress raises the possibility of his participation in the IPL 2024. Pant could be utilised as an Impact Player in the IPL 2024 as he might not be ready to fulfil his wicketkeeping duties as of now until he gets fully fit.
“I think much better what I was doing a few months ago so like still on recovery to 100 per cent. But hopefully in a few months time I'll be able to do it", Pant said in a Delhi Capitals video.
About a year ago, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter suffered multiple injuries after a horrific car accident while driving back home to Roorkee. Pant's vehicle overturned on the highway, and local residents at the scene rescued him from the spot. Undergoing multiple surgeries, the cricketer has been in the process of recovery ever since. He has been actively training at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and frequently shares updates on his workout sessions.
The batter expressed surprise at the overwhelming support and affection he received from people, admitting that he never expected such a level of love and encouragement.
"I think it's been really amazing because whenever we keep on playing cricket we feel no one loves us because there is always pressure in so many things. But actually yes, it's a hard time. But I got to know at least people love us. They respect us and the kind of appreciation and the kind of concern I would say people have shown over a period of time because of my injury," the 26-year-old said.
"I think it was heartfelt, like crazy for me because it means a lot as an individual. When you are going through a very rough time or something like that happens to you. It's not only physical, it's like mentally also and if your supporters and the people support you or show you love, it means a lot and it's it really helps in recovering, I guess," Pant further added.
DC have not officially commented on Pant's fitness, but they have not excluded him from the 2024 tournament. In an exclusive interview with India Today, team director Sourav Ganguly even mentioned the possibility of Pant participating in the 2024 edition of the tournament.
At the end of the video, Pant thanked his fans for all the support and promised them to always give his best.
"Thank you for always being supportive all the time. Yes, I know sometimes we have given you a hard time as fans. But see, we try to do our best all the time and, hopefully, next year in time to come, we will show the kind of respect or love you have shown over a period of time, hopefully we can reciprocate it over a period of time, and just keep supporting us," Pant concluded.
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