Cricket

Rishabh Pant's much-anticipated return to competitive cricket in the IPL 2024 clash between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings has garnered immense support and encouragement from fellow cricketer Nicholas Pooran. Pooran, who himself faced adversity after surviving a car crash, empathized with Pant's struggle to return to the cricket field after a life-threatening car accident in December 2022.Expressing his joy for Pant's comeback, Pooran remarked in an exclusive conversation with IANS, "I think everyone is looking forward to seeing how he goes, and I am really excited and very happy for him." Recognizing the challenges Pant faced during his recovery, Pooran reached out to him to provide moral support and guidance. He emphasized the importance of having a supportive network during tough times, stating, "You just need people to be there to support you, and I was trying to do exactly that."Throughout their conversations, Pooran offered words of encouragement and shared his own experiences of overcoming adversity. He recalled reassuring Pant that he would eventually return to cricket, emphasizing the importance of staying positive during challenging moments. Pant's journey to recovery demanded patience and resilience, traits that Pooran admired in him. He noted, "He handled the recovery process admirably like a champ, so well done to him."Witnessing Pant's progress, including moments like being crutches free and returning to the nets, brought immense joy to Pooran. He emphasized the significance of these small victories in the recovery journey, stating, "Those little victorious moments mean a lot." As Pant prepares to resume his role on the cricket field, Pooran believes that embracing every moment and having fun will be key to his success. He expressed confidence in Pant's ability to thrive in his multiple roles, including batting, wicketkeeping, and captaining Delhi Capitals.Pant's resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to many, and his return to cricket symbolizes his unwavering belief in himself. With the support of friends like Pooran, Pant's journey from adversity to triumph exemplifies the power of perseverance and faith.

The Indian T20 League 2023 kicks off with a thrilling encounter between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali. Both teams will be eager to start their campaign on a winning note.Delhi Capitals, led by Rishabh Pant, have a balanced squad with a mix of experienced and young players. They will be looking to Prithvi Shaw and David Warner to provide a solid start at the top of the order, while Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will be key in the bowling department.Punjab Kings, captained by Shikhar Dhawan, will be hoping to improve on their performance from last season. They have a strong batting lineup with Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, and Liam Livingstone, but their bowling attack may be a concern.The pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium is known to be balanced, with both pacers and spinners expected to play a role. The average first innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 147 runs.In terms of fantasy cricket, Harpreet Brar, Samuel Curran, and Axar Patel are among the top picks for bowlers, while Prabhsimran Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, and David Warner are expected to be popular choices for batters.The match promises to be a close contest between two evenly matched teams. Delhi Capitals will be slightly favored due to their experience and depth, but Punjab Kings have the potential to surprise.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable return to cricket after a life-threatening car crash in December 2022 has become a testament to his resilience and determination. The star wicketkeeper-batter is set to lead Delhi Capitals in their IPL opener against Punjab Kings on March 23, marking a significant milestone in his recovery.Pant's miraculous escape from the accident has been followed by an accelerated rehabilitation process. He has been cleared to play as a keeper-batter and has taken on the additional responsibility of captaining the side, replacing David Warner.Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting expressed confidence in Pant's abilities, stating that he has "probably batted more in the last week than he has ever batted leading into most of the IPLs."The team's potent fast bowling arsenal, led by Anrich Nortje, will be complemented by an explosive batting lineup featuring Warner, Prithvi Shaw, Mitchell Marsh, and Tristan Stubbs.Meanwhile, Punjab Kings, who have never won the IPL, will be looking to turn things around under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan. The team boasts a strong all-rounder contingent, including Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, and Rishi Dhawan.However, Delhi Capitals are considered the favorites for the day game, given their overall strength and Pant's return. The match promises to be an exciting clash between two teams eager to make a statement in the new IPL season.

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has expressed his admiration for skipper Rishabh Pant's dedication and determination as he prepares for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Pant, who suffered a horrific car accident in December 2022, has been working tirelessly to regain his confidence and physical abilities."He (Pant) has probably batted more in the last week than he has ever batted leading into most of the IPLs," Ponting said. "I think from his point of view, he wants to get a bit of trust back in his body again."Ponting praised Pant's positive attitude and infectious energy, which he believes will inspire his teammates. "He has been putting himself through a few different paces and playing all the shots that he plays. He has been great, and more importantly, he has got a smile on his face, which is what all we love to see," Ponting added.Delhi Capitals director of cricket Sourav Ganguly echoed Ponting's sentiments, highlighting Pant's unconventional style of batting and leadership. "He is not the conservative type of batter, so you expect that character in his captaincy," Ganguly said. "Nobody comes as a ready-made captain. You learn as you go and I think captaincy is by instinct."Ganguly acknowledged the emotional challenges Pant has faced during his recovery. "I'm surprised with the improvements he has made. Hopefully, it's a good season for him because he has gone through a lot emotionally. It's never easy when you go through that sort of injury," Ganguly said.Delhi Capitals will kick off their IPL campaign against Punjab Kings on March 23. Pant's return to the field is highly anticipated, as he is considered one of the most exciting and talented players in Indian cricket.

Rishabh Pant's Resurgence Bolsters Delhi Capitals' IPL HopesPravin Amre, the assistant coach of Delhi Capitals (DC), has expressed his delight at Rishabh Pant's impressive return to form during the team's pre-season camp. Pant, who missed the previous 14 months due to a severe car accident, has showcased his vintage batting prowess, leaving the coaching staff optimistic about his impact in the upcoming IPL season."It was a joy to watch him bat," Amre said. "His bat swing was as fluid as ever, despite the long layoff. It's a testament to his dedication and hard work."Pant's return is a major boost for DC, who endured a disappointing campaign last season under David Warner's leadership. The team finished ninth in the standings, failing to qualify for the playoffs.With Pant back in the fold, DC is aiming for a strong start to the tournament. The team's coaching staff, led by Amre, believes that the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Vizag, where DC will play their first two home matches, will provide a high-scoring environment."Vizag has always been a ground where runs flow freely," Amre said. "We're excited to see what it has to offer."DC's focus is on providing the best possible conditions for their players to excel. The team has been engaged in practice matches and collective sessions to fine-tune their preparations for the IPL.DC will kick off their IPL 2024 campaign against Punjab Kings in Mohali on March 23. Pant's return adds a layer of anticipation and excitement to the tournament, as fans eagerly await his return to the field.

England batter Harry Brook has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season to be with his family during their time of grief following the recent passing of his grandmother.Brook, who was acquired by the Delhi Capitals for INR 4 crore (USD 482,000) at the auction in December, expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Capitals. He emphasized that prioritizing his mental well-being and that of his family is paramount.The 25-year-old had previously withdrawn from England's recent five-Test series in India due to his grandmother's illness. He stated that he made the decision to leave the tour the night before the team's departure to India after being informed of her condition.Brook's absence leaves the Capitals with an overseas roster comprising David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Tristan Stubbs, Shai Hope, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, and Jhye Richardson. The team will be led by Rishabh Pant, who has been cleared to play as a wicketkeeper-batter after recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident.Brook's decision highlights the importance of mental health and family support in the demanding world of professional sports. His statement serves as a reminder that personal well-being should always be prioritized, even when it means making difficult choices.

In the final group-stage encounter of the Women's Premier League (WPL), Gujarat Giants opted to bat first against Delhi Capitals in Delhi. While Delhi Capitals had already secured their place in the knockout phase, Gujarat Giants were playing for pride, having been eliminated from contention.Delhi Capitals made one change to their lineup, bringing in offspinner Minnu Mani for quick bowler Titas Sadhu. Gujarat Giants, on the other hand, fielded an unchanged XI.The match commenced after a brief spell of light rain earlier in the evening. Gujarat Giants' openers, Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney, provided a solid start, putting on a 50-run partnership. However, the introduction of spin proved to be a challenge for the Giants, as they lost wickets at regular intervals.Dayalan Hemalatha and Phoebe Litchfield made valuable contributions, but the Giants were eventually restricted to 149/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Shabnam Shakil was the pick of the Delhi Capitals bowlers, claiming 2/25.In response, Delhi Capitals openers Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma got their team off to a flying start. Lanning, in particular, looked in ominous form, hitting boundaries at will. However, the introduction of Meghna Singh into the attack proved to be a game-changer.Singh dismissed both Lanning and Verma in quick succession, and the Delhi Capitals innings began to falter. Jemimah Rodrigues and Alice Capsey tried to steady the ship, but the Giants bowlers kept chipping away at the wickets.In the end, Delhi Capitals fell short of their target, finishing on 138/8. Singh was the star performer for Gujarat Giants, taking 3/23.Despite the defeat, Delhi Capitals remain in a strong position to qualify for the final directly. Gujarat Giants, on the other hand, will be disappointed to have ended their campaign on a losing note.

Rishabh Pant Cleared to Return as Delhi Capitals Captain in IPL 2024After a harrowing car crash in December 2022, Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant has been declared fit to resume his role as wicket-keeper batter in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) has cleared Pant to keep wickets, ending weeks of speculation about his availability.Pant's return is a major boost for the Delhi Capitals, who have been eagerly awaiting his leadership and wicket-keeping skills. The 26-year-old has undergone extensive rehabilitation and is ready to shoulder the dual responsibility in the event starting March 22."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 IPL 2024," the BCCI said in a statement.Pant's determination to return to action has been evident throughout his recovery process. In an interaction with Star Sports, he recalled telling his doctor that he would shave off at least six months from his recovery timeline."I asked the doctor how long will it take for me to recover. I told him that everybody is speaking different things, but you will give me the most clarity about it. He (Doctor) said it would take 16 to 18 months. I told the doctor from whatever timeline you give me, I will reduce six months from it," Pant had told the official TV broadcasters of IPL.The Delhi Capitals welcomed Pant's return with a heartfelt post on social media. "Ready to ROAR. Welcome back, Rishabh Pant. Can't wait to see you," the franchise captioned a graphic.However, one fan took a humorous jab at the editing skills of the DC admin, saying that even he could have made a better graphic for the returning Pant. Pant, known for his sense of humor, responded to the comment with a laughing emoji.Pant's return to the Delhi Capitals will be a major storyline in IPL 2024. The franchise will be hoping that their skipper can lead them to their maiden IPL title.

Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, is poised to make a triumphant return to competitive cricket after a grueling 14-month recovery from a devastating car accident in December 2022. As the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches, Pant reflects on the challenges and triumphs he has faced during his rehabilitation journey.In an exclusive interview with TOI, Pant candidly shared the emotional toll of missing the ODI World Cup hosted by India last year. "It was very upsetting," he admitted. "We had set our sights on the World Cup, but my knee couldn't handle the load."Undeterred, Pant embraced the setback as an opportunity for growth. "I started pushing myself more," he said. "When you set shorter goals, it helps you stay motivated. It's like building a good Test innings."The official declaration of fitness by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has filled Pant with immense satisfaction. "This was the thing we were waiting for," he exclaimed. "I just want to go out there and play and have fun."Pant has already joined the Delhi Capitals camp in Vizag, where he will prepare for the team's IPL opener against Punjab Kings on March 23. The wicketkeeper-batsman is eager to contribute to his team's success and prove that he is back to his best.Pant's return to competitive cricket is a testament to his resilience and determination. After enduring a life-threatening accident, he has emerged stronger than ever, ready to once again showcase his exceptional skills on the field.