Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant on Friday visited the Delhi Capitals camp in Kolkata for the second consecutive day. He spent almost 4 hours wherein he was seen involved in a long chat with Head Coach Ricky Ponting and DC Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly. The left hander was also seen observing closely the net practice of South African batter Rillee Roussouw against left arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed.
Much to the disappointment of the fans who were watching, Pant did not bat at all. He was basically attending the camp to spot a few talents who were called upon by the Delhi Capitals management based on their performances in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. As many as 17 players has been shortlisted by DC spotters who are attending the trials. They were involved in a game against a Bengal side.
Pant looked comfortable as he took a walk around the ground in visuals from the training camp in Kolkata. The wicketkeeper-batter was not wearing any knee straps as he is on the road to attaining full fitness.
The dashing wicketkeeper batter was also seen undergoing a special needle therapy on his right knee. He also posted a picture of it and shared it on his Instagram handle. He was also involved in a lengthy chat with Delhi Capitals physio Pattrick Farhat.
Rishabh last played a competitive game during India’s tour of Bangladesh in December 2022. It is speculated that he can make his return to international cricket from the series against England starting in January at home. But for him to be eligible for selection he must prove his match fitness by playing a few domestic games.
Pant faced a horrific car accident when his car collided with a divider on National Highway 58 and caught fire. He had a lucky escape. After undergoing surgery, he went to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for his rehabilitation. In June this year, he started to walk without crutches and was also seen climb stairs without any support. He recently visited Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh with India teammate Axar Patel.
Delhi Capitals are among the few teams who have started their preparations for the IPL next season.
Pant has been leading the franchise since the start of the IPL 2021 season. However, he was forced to sit out of IPl 2023 due to multiple injuries he picked up during a life-threatening road accident in December last year.