Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal has confirmed that Rishabh Pant will play as a specialist batter in the first half of IPL 2024. Pant, known for his flamboyant style, is set to make a comeback to competitive cricket after recovering from injuries sustained in a near-fatal car accident on the Delhi-Dehradun highway in December 2022.
Having recently participated in a warm-up game in Alur, there were hopes among fans that Pant might be gearing up for IPL 2024. On February 23, Parth Jindal officially announced that Pant will lead the Delhi Capitals in their first match of the 17th IPL season. However, Jindal mentioned that Pant will initially play as a specialist batter in the early part of the tournament. The team management will assess his physical condition and decide on whether he can resume wicketkeeping duties later in the competition.
Expressing his eagerness to return to the field, the 26-year-old Pant emphasized in an interview that he is looking forward to meeting fans in Delhi during IPL 2024. He acknowledged that the IPL is not just about cricket but also about the fans who contribute to the memorable atmosphere of each match. Pant highlighted his excitement to share the game’s thrill with fans through Star Sports’ ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative.
Reflecting on Delhi Capitals’ previous season, Pant was absent as they finished ninth on the table, winning five games and losing nine. David Warner played a pivotal role in the stumper-batter’s absence. This year, with Pant’s return as the regular skipper, Delhi Capitals are optimistic about their IPL 2024 campaign. They will kick off the season against Punjab Kings on March 23 at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali, with their initial home games taking place in Visakhapatnam.
