The much-anticipated Rishabh Pant's IPL comeback didn't pan out the way everyone expected, rather ended on a losing note. Despite Delhi Capitals (DC) setting a challenging target of 175 runs, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured a thrilling four-wicket victory in the opening match of the IPL 2024 season on Saturday, March 23. The hero for Punjab was English all-rounder Sam Curran. His blistering knock of 63 runs off just 47 balls, including a crucial partnership with Liam Livingstone (38* off 21 balls), propelled the Kings to victory with four balls remaining.
DC, despite having ace pacers like Ishant Sharma in their ranks, failed to defend 174. Ishant gave DC a good start after rattling the dangerous looking Shikhar Dhawan's (22 off 16) stumps in the fourth over. But unfortunately, Ishant Sharma suffered an injury during fielding, hence was taken off the field after bowling mere two overs.
Disaster struck the DC in the final over of the powerplay during their 175-run defense against the PBKS at their new home ground. While fielding at deep mid-wicket, Ishant collected a flicked single off Mitchell Marsh's slower delivery. However, as he attempted to return the throw to the wicketkeeper, he suffered a nasty twist to his right ankle.
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Rishabh Pant on Ishant Sharma's injury
While speaking about Ishant's injury, DC captain Rishabh, who scored 18 runs off 13 balls, said, his injury was clearly evident in the field.
“I think Ishant's injury was clearly evident in the field, we were already one bowler short because of our batting, Abishek Porel did well to give us those extra runs, but we were always one bowler short. The boys did well to drag us back into the match at various stages. Was pretty nervous (on his comeback), there was a bit of tension, but I started to enjoy myself," Pant said at the post-match presentation.
"No excuses, having a bowler short was never good, but credit to PKBS for the way they played. He's pretty new (on Porel), 3rd or 4th game (for him), the way he batted was very special, looking forward to more from him as the season moves forward,” Pant concluded.
Punjab's superb batting show
PBKS' chase got off to a flying start, reaching 34 runs in just three overs. However, their momentum was halted by a brilliant spell from Ishant Sharma. Dhawan (22 off 16 balls) attempted a big shot but missed the ball, resulting in his dismissal via LBW by Ishant. Impact Substitute Prabhsimran Singh entered the fray at number three. Ishant tested him with a perfectly pitched delivery, leaving Prabhsimran hesitant. Despite the initial pressure, Prabhsimran responded with a boundary through mid-off, showcasing his attacking intent. Jonny Bairstow, who had just hit two boundaries in three balls, fell victim to an unfortunate run-out. Ishant managed to get a touch on a Prabhsimran drive, deflecting the ball onto the stumps at the non-striker's end. Bairstow, having strayed too far out of his crease, couldn't make it back in time. Prabhsimran (27 off 17 balls) continued to fight back, hitting two consecutive fours off Khaleel Ahmed to ease the pressure. However, just as he was settling in, the in-form wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav cast his spell. A well-disguised googly from Kuldeep deceived Prabhsimran, leading to his dismissal.
Kuldeep wasn't done there. He continued his wicket-taking spree by dismissing Jitesh Sharma shortly after. With two quick wickets, Kuldeep left Punjab in a precarious position at 100 for 4 in the 12th over.
Meanwhile, after leading PBKS to impressive win Dhawan said:
“It feels great, I was happy to be on the ground. After the last IPL, I'm playing such a high competitive cricket, I was a bit nervous. [on the chat at the innings break] That time I did not chat with anyone as I was supposed to go for batting. The bowlers need their space, so we will chat tomorrow and learn and get better.”
“We leaked a few extra runs, of course first match of the season and nerves are there. I feel under lights the wicket got better and Sam played an amazing innings and Livi finished it off. I didn't know much records here, it's a new ground. Did not assess much. We practiced in the day and under lights as well. Wanted the other team to use their brains on how to go here,” Dhawan added.
Now Pant's DC will next face Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 28 while, PBKS will lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 25.
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