Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, is poised for a much-anticipated comeback in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). After a near-fatal car accident in 2022, Pant has made significant strides in his rehabilitation journey and was recently spotted in a warm-up game in Alur, according to a Cricbuzz report.
This marks the first time Pant has featured in a warm-up game since his accident, signaling his progress towards a return to competitive cricket. He will lead the Delhi Capitals in the upcoming IPL edition, solely focusing on his batting prowess, as per sources cited by Cricbuzz.
Sources have confirmed that Pant's running and batting abilities have returned to the same levels as before his unfortunate accident. An NCA source, referring to the intra-squad game in Alur near Bengaluru, stated, "The match was part of assessing his mobility basically. He has been batting at nets for a while and playing in a practice game was more like an extension of it."
Pant has undergone extensive rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and received treatment in London, arranged by the Indian cricket board. His return to a warm-up game after nearly 15 months away from cricket is a welcome development for the Indian team, his franchise, and his fans.
Earlier this month, Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting expressed optimism about Pant's return to the IPL. He said, "Rishabh is very confident that he's going to be right to play. In what capacity we're not quite sure yet." Ponting acknowledged that Pant's wicketkeeping role might be limited this year, but praised his determination to play every game and bat at his preferred position.
The 17th edition of the IPL is set to commence on March 22 and will be held entirely in India, despite coinciding with the general elections, as confirmed by league chairman Arun Dhumal. The schedule for the IPL's 17th edition has yet to be unveiled due to the elections, which are expected to take place in April and May.
Rishabh Pant, at the age of 26, has already made a significant impact on Indian cricket, having played 33 Tests, 30 ODIs, and 66 T20s. His return to the field is eagerly awaited by fans and cricket enthusiasts alike.
Tags: #RishabhPant, #IPL2023, #DelhiCapitals, #CricketComeback, #RehabilitationJourney
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