When will Rishabh Pant join the Delhi Capitals camp for IPL 2024? Sourav Ganguly provides a massive update
Published - 02 Mar 2024, 01:54 PM
Table of Contents
Sourav Ganguly, the director of cricket at Delhi Capitals (DC), spoke about Rishabh Pant’s comeback during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Sourav Ganguly described Rishabh Pant as ‘a very special player,’ adding that his return is a huge addition to the team.
Rishabh Pant has been sidelined for over a year due to injuries sustained in a car accident in December 2022. The wicketkeeper-batter underwent surgery for the injuries incurred during the accident. Pant is working hard to ensure his readiness for the IPL 2024 season.
The 26-year-old cricketer will lead the Delhi Capitals in the upcoming T20 tournament. However, the franchise has yet to confirm his participation as a wicketkeeper this season. He might play as a specialist batter for his team with the help of the ‘Impact Player rule’.
Rishabh Pant Is Very Important – Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly acknowledged the significant buzz surrounding Rishabh Pant‘s return to the Delhi Capitals. Ganguly emphasized the significance of Pant’s fitness, expressing hope for his uninterrupted participation throughout the season.
“That’s part of professional sport. Rishabh coming back fit is a huge addition for us. We hope he plays the full season because he is a very special player. We have worked on some domestic players who have done well in all formats. But Rishabh is very important,” Ganguly said.
In the 2022 IPL season, Rishabh Pant scored 340 runs with an average of 30.91 and a remarkable strike rate of 151.79. Overall, the left-handed batter has played 98 matches in the IPL since joining the Delhi Capitals in 2016, amassing 2,838 runs at a striking rate of 147.
We Are Taking A Cautious Approach With Rishabh Pant – Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly discussed Rishabh Pant taking over the wicketkeeping duties in this year’s tournament. The former Indian skipper highlighted potential backup wicketkeepers, including Kumar Kushagra, Ricky Bhui, Shai Hope, and Tristan Stubbs.
“He has done everything to get fit and that’s the reason NCA will clear him. Let Rishabh get cleared on Mar 5 only then we talk about captaincy backups. We are taking a cautious approach with him because he has a very long career ahead of him. We don’t want to push him in excitement. We will see how Rishabh reacts. He will be joining the camp once NCA gives him the clearance. We will see match by match. We can’t predict.”
“As for wicketkeeping options, there’s Kumar Kushagra. Ricky Bhui has had a very good season. There is Shai Hope and Tristan Stubbs,” Ganguly added.
David Warner assumed leadership of DC in Rishabh Pant’s absence in the previous season. The team managed to secure five victories out of 14 league-stage matches. The Delhi-based franchise ended the season second from the bottom in the 10-team points table.
The Delhi Capitals will kick off their IPL 2024 campaign on March 23 with a match against the Punjab Kings in Mohali, followed by encounters against the Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Mumbai Indians in their next four matches.
