(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is all set to return to action in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Ever since his car accident in December 2022, Pant is on a recovery journey, which is likely to come to end soon as he has almost regained his fitness.
As informed by the Delhi Capitals (DC) Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly, Pant will get clearance from the National Cricket Academy on March 5. Although he is expected to play as a pure batter in IPL 2024, Ganguly stated that the Capitals will not take any risks with him as he has a long career ahead of him.
“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’ll 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,” Ganguly said as quoted to TOI.
Delhi Capitals would also have to explore other captaincy options incase Pant misses a few games. Also, as he is unlikely to keep the wickets. Kumar Kushagra and Ricky Bhui are the domestic players who can take over this role for the season. Among the overseas recruits of DC, Tristan Stubbs and Shai Hope can perform the wicket-keeping duties.
“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.
Notably, IPL 2024 will begin on March 22. Delhi Capitals will start their campaign versus Punjab Kings on March 23 in Mohali.