Rishabh Pant might not be a part of Delhi Capitals’ playing eleven for Wednesday’s clash against Rajasthan Royals but it looks like the wicketkeeper-batsman is set to return to action earlier than expected. The India star had to miss the game against Mumbai Indians too.
Rishabh Pant had suffered a hamstring injury during Delhi Capitals’ win over Rajasthan Royals in Sharjah on October 9. He was seen limping when he completed the catch to dismiss Varun Aaron off Kagiso Rabada’s bowling. Before that, he was seen struggling while reaching the wickets for the throws from the deep as well.
At that time, it was believed that the left-handed batsman had pulled his hamstring and would return to action soon. However, recent reports suggested that he might remain on the sideline for more than a week after suffering a Grade 1 hamstring tear.
But it looks like the southpaw would be fit for selection ahead of Delhi Capitals’ next game which is on Saturday when they lock horns against Chennai Super Kings. Ahead of tonight’s clash against Royals, Rishabh Pant was seen giving a fitness test. Although there was strappings on his leg, he looked comfortable while running. Delhi Capitals perhaps wanted to give him some more rest and thus decided against picking him for the match against Royals.
Here is the clip showing Rishabh Pant giving the test ahead of the clash against Royals’:
A quick fitness test for Rishabh Pant ahead of today’s game.#Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/WGjJpvZIqH
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 14, 2020
Delhi would be hoping that their star man returns to action soon. He has been the second-highest run-getter for the Capitals this season so far, having scored 176 runs in six innings at an average of 35.20 and a strike rate of 133.33. His absence has also affected the team’s balance.
The Capitals were forced to make two changes to their playing eleven as the only other specialist wicketkeeper in the Capitals squad is an overseas player, Alex Carey. To accommodate Carey, Capitals had to sit out Shimron Hetmyer and bring Ajinkya Rahane in the team.