IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant all set to be back in action for Delhi Capitals
Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is poised for a comeback in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season after being away from cricket for nearly a year. The diminutive cricketer is likely to back leading the Delhi Capitals' franchise. The left hander will be allowed to take part in the upcoming IPL 2024 season only after he gets a clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Presently undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA in Bengaluru following a right knee surgery performed by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala in Mumbai at the beginning of this year, Pant is anticipated to regain fitness by the end of February. However, uncertainties persist about his ability to assume wicketkeeping duties in IPL matches. Delhi Capitals’ management have emphasized that Pant will don the keeping gloves only with approval from NCA medical staff. If he is not given the nod to keep wickets then he will play only as a batter and field. There were also talks that he might be used as an Impact Player.
Having missed the entire previous IPL season due to injury, Pant's absence significantly impacted the Delhi Capitals, who finished ninth in the points table. The franchise is now banking on Pant, their inspirational leader, to orchestrate a turnaround in the upcoming season.
Since January 2023, Pant has been absent from several international fixtures, including the four-Test home series against Australia, the 2023 IPL, series in the West Indies, Ireland, the Asia Cup, and the World Cup. He is also likely to miss the imminent three-match T20I series against Afghanistan and the crucial five-Test series against England in February and March. Furthermore, he is already ruled out for the ongoing series against South Africa.
