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ToggleDelhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting stated that Rishabh Pant is “very confident” about playing the entire 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). However, Ricky Ponting highlighted uncertainty regarding Rishabh Pant’s role as a wicketkeeper in the tournament.
Rishabh Pant has been sidelined from competitive cricket since December 2022 due to a severe car accident, which resulted in multiple injuries, including a ligament tear. Despite this setback, Pant has been sharing updates on his recovery progress on social media.
The Delhi Capitals haven’t confirmed whether Pant can fulfill the multiple roles demanded by his position as wicketkeeper-batter and captain. Additionally, he can participate solely as a batter in the IPL 2024, utilizing the Impact Player rule.
Rishabh Pant Is Very Confident – Ricky Ponting
On Wednesday, February 6, Ricky Ponting acknowledged Rishabh Pant‘s optimism about his comeback in the IPL 2024 but mentioned the possibility of limited wicketkeeping duties this season.
“Rishabh is very confident that he’s going to be right to play. In what capacity we’re not quite sure yet,” Ponting said.
“You would have seen all the social media stuff, he’s up and about and running well. But in saying that we’re only six weeks away from the first game as well. So we’re not sure if we’ll get wicketkeeping out of him this year,” he added.
We’ll Keep Our Fingers Crossed – Ricky Ponting
The 49-year-old emphasized Rishabh Pant’s full commitment to all roles despite his prolonged absence. He underscored Pant’s dynamic leadership and the team’s previous struggles in his absence.
“But I’ll guarantee if I asked him now he’ll say, ‘I’m playing every game, I’m keeping every game and I’m batting at No.4.’ That’s just what he’s like, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed. He’s such a dynamic player. He’s obviously our captain. We missed him incredibly last year,” Ponting further added.
During Pant’s absence, David Warner led the Delhi Capitals in the previous IPL season. The Delhi team started with five consecutive losses in the IPL 2023. The DC team ended the season in ninth place after securing just five victories out of 14 league-stage matches.
Hope That He Can Be Out There And Play – Ricky Ponting
The Delhi Capitals’ head coach expressed hope that even if Pant cannot participate in all matches, his presence in at least some games will be beneficial. He emphasized the importance of managing Pant’s participation strategically to maximize his impact.
“We’ll just keep our fingers crossed and hope that he can be out there and play. Even if it’s not all the games, if we can manage him through 10 of the 14 games or whatever that might be then whatever games you can get out of him will be a bonus,” Ponting stated.
Rishabh Pant made his IPL debut for the Delhi Capitals during the 2016 season. The southpaw has appeared in 98 IPL matches, amassing 2,838 runs at an average of 34.61 and a blistering strike rate of 147.97, including one century and 15 half-centuries.
Also read: Big blow for Delhi Capitals right on the verge of IPL 2024 as Ricky Ponting joins a new team
