'Feels like making debut' - Rishabh Pant nervously excited for thrilling IPL 2024 comeback

When Rishabh Pant returns to feature in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League, he will be feeling as if he is making his debut once again in the richest cricketing tournament in the world. Pant said this in his own words during an interaction with Delhi Capitals ahead of their opening match against Punjab Kings on March 23. He thanked his fans, the DC owners, the BCCI, and the officials at the NCA for playing their part during his 14-month recovery.

It was confirmed yesterday that Rishabh Pant will play in IPL 2024 as the wicket-keeper batsman for Delhi Capitals after the BCCI medical team granted him permission to operate in his preferred role. There were plenty of speculations regarding his participation with NCA officials mulling over his full fitness – the biggest roadblock in his return.

All eyes on Rishabh Pant

But after seeing him bat really well in the nets and with the type of progression he had, the BCCI in its medical update press release, cleared Pant and enlightened the hearts and minds of his fans.

“After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30th, 2022, near Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Rishabh Pant has now been declared fit as a wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming TATA IPL 2024,” BCCI’s latest press release read.

Pant’s participation in the IPL and a blistering performance from his bat could also put him in contention to earn a spot in the Indian squad for the ICC T20 World Cup later this June. In his last IPL season in 2022, Rishabh Pant had scored 340 runs from 14 outings at a strike rate of 151.79 in his second full season as captain.

Last season when Delhi Capitals played for the first time without Rishabh Pant since 2016, the North-Indian franchise finished 9th in the points table under David Warner’s captaincy. This year as Pant looks set to stage a return, DC will be hoping for nothing less than a season where the elusive IPL trophy comes to the National capital at last.

Rishabh Pant expresses happiness ahead of return

While speaking to Delhi Capitals recently, Rishabh Pant expressed his excitement to play in front of the DC fans at the Arun Jaitley stadium in New Delhi. Before naming IPL as his favorite tournament, Pant also expressed his gratefulness towards everyone who helped him get back on track.

“I am excited and nervous at the same time. It feels like I am going to make my debut again,” said Pant in a Delhi Capitals release.

“To be able to play cricket again after everything I’ve been through is nothing short of a miracle. I’m grateful to all my well-wishers and fans, and most importantly, the BCCI and staff at NCA. All their love and support continues to give me immense strength,” Pant said.

“I am excited to return to Delhi Capitals and the IPL – a tournament I enjoy so much. Our team owners and support staff have been by my side throughout with their full support, guidance and co-operation at every step, for which I am deeply grateful. I can’t wait to re-unite with my DC family and play in front of the fans again,” Rishabh Pant concluded.