Image Source: X – BCCI
[Saba Sports News] India and Delhi Capitals (DC) wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant marked his long-awaited return to the cricket field during the second match of IPL 2024 against Punjab Kings on Saturday, March 23. Taking guard at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh after the fall of Delhi’s second wicket, the left-hander received a standing ovation from the crowd, acknowledging his resilience in recovering from a severe car crash on December 30, 2022.
Pant, who had survived a life-threatening car accident while traveling from Delhi to his hometown Roorkee in his Mercedes to celebrate the New Year’s Eve in 2022, dozed off while driving, resulting in his car hitting a divider and catching fire. Fortunately, he managed to escape with the help of passersby and underwent multiple surgeries for his injuries.
Following his surgeries, Pant underwent extensive rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to prepare for his eagerly anticipated comeback. However, his return to the crease was short-lived as he was dismissed for 18 runs off 13 balls by Harshal Patel. Despite his brief stay, Pant’s contribution helped Delhi reach 111/4 after 12.4 overs.
DC faced further setbacks, losing four more wickets and stumbling to 147/8 after 18.3 overs before Abhishek Porel’s rapid cameo of 32 runs off 10 balls propelled them to 174/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Pant played a crucial role as an impact player, scoring 25 runs off the last over, enabling DC to surpass the 170-run mark.