Cricket

Rishabh Pant's Marbles Match: A Glimpse of Childhood Amidst IPL PreparationsIndian cricket star Rishabh Pant is eagerly anticipating his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a horrific accident in December 2022. While recovering from his injuries, Pant has found solace in reliving his childhood memories, as evidenced by his recent game of marbles with neighborhood children.On Sunday, Pant took to Instagram to share a story of himself playing "goli," a popular street game in India. With a bandana covering his face, Pant was seen enjoying the game with the neighborhood kids. The video captured the essence of his childhood, bringing a smile to the faces of his fans.Pant's return to the IPL is a significant development for the Delhi Capitals franchise and the Indian team. Former India captain and Delhi Capitals' Director of Cricket, Sourav Ganguly, has indicated that Pant will be declared fit for action by the NCA on March 5.However, Ganguly hinted that Pant may not be pushed directly into wicketkeeping in the IPL. This decision is likely to be made based on Pant's recovery progress and the team's strategy.Pant's accident on December 31, 2022, was a major setback for the Indian team. He suffered multiple injuries, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. The accident raised concerns about his future in cricket, but Pant's determination and resilience have been evident throughout his recovery process.With the 17th edition of the IPL commencing on March 22, Pant's return to action is a welcome boost for the Delhi Capitals. His aggressive batting and exceptional wicketkeeping skills will be crucial for the team's success in the tournament.

Gujarat Giants Face Uphill Battle Against Delhi Capitals in Women's Premier LeagueBengaluru, India - The Gujarat Giants will face a formidable challenge when they take on the in-form Delhi Capitals in Match 10 of the Women's Premier League at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Giants have endured a difficult start to the tournament, suffering three consecutive defeats, while the Capitals have emerged as one of the early favorites with three impressive victories.The Giants' struggles have been evident in their batting, where they have failed to post a competitive total in any of their matches. Captain Harleen Deol has been the only consistent performer, but the rest of the lineup has struggled to find form. The Capitals, on the other hand, have a well-balanced batting unit led by the experienced Jemimah Rodrigues and the explosive Shafali Verma.The Giants' bowling attack has also been inconsistent, with only Sneh Rana and Mansi Joshi showing any signs of promise. The Capitals, in contrast, have a potent bowling lineup that includes the experienced Shikha Pandey and the young and talented Titas Sadhu.The Giants will need to find a way to improve their batting and bowling if they want to have any chance of upsetting the Capitals. Deol will need to lead from the front and inspire her teammates to perform at their best. The Capitals, meanwhile, will be confident of extending their winning streak and consolidating their position at the top of the standings.The match promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with contrasting fortunes. The Giants will be desperate to break their losing streak, while the Capitals will be looking to maintain their momentum and continue their march towards the playoffs.

Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, is set to make a remarkable return to competitive cricket as the captain of Delhi Capitals in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. However, he will not be donning the wicketkeeping gloves in the initial phase of the tournament, as per the franchise co-owner Parth Jindal.Jindal, in a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo, expressed confidence in Pant's fitness and readiness for the IPL, subject to the BCCI's imminent clearance. He revealed that Pant has been undergoing rigorous rehabilitation and has started wicketkeeping drills, indicating his progress towards full recovery from the horrific car accident he suffered in December 2022.To ensure Pant's smooth transition back into competitive cricket, the Capitals management has decided to utilize him solely as a batter for the first seven games of the IPL. This cautious approach aims to minimize the strain on his recovering knee and allow him to regain his rhythm gradually.The IPL will mark Pant's first competitive appearance since the Test series in Bangladesh in December 2022. His return is highly anticipated, considering his exceptional batting skills and leadership qualities. The Capitals are optimistic that Pant's presence will provide the much-needed balance and stability to the team.In addition to Pant's return, the Capitals have bolstered their squad with several exciting acquisitions, including Tristan Stubbs, Mitchell Marsh, and Harry Brook. Jindal believes these additions have transformed the team into a well-rounded unit capable of challenging for the title.The franchise is also counting on the experience of David Warner and the explosive batting of Brook, who is expected to play a pivotal role in the lower middle order. Jindal expressed his confidence in Brook's ability to make a significant impact at number six.Furthermore, the Capitals have invested in a group of talented uncapped Indian players, scouted and recommended by team director Sourav Ganguly. These players, including Kumar Kushagra, Sumit Kumar, and Ricky Bhui, are expected to contribute to the team's success.With a strong blend of experience and youthful exuberance, the Delhi Capitals are poised for a successful campaign in IPL 2024. Pant's leadership, coupled with the team's overall strength, makes them a formidable contender for the coveted trophy.

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.