Cricket

Rishabh Pant's Triumphant Return to Cricket Ignites Excitement Across IPL FranchisesStar wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant's long-awaited return to competitive cricket has sent ripples of excitement through the Indian Premier League (IPL) and beyond. After a 15-month hiatus following a life-threatening road accident, Pant is set to resume his role as captain of the Delhi Capitals.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Pant's fitness in a statement, stating that he has undergone an extensive 14-month rehabilitation and recovery process. The news was met with an outpouring of joy and anticipation from IPL teams, who took to social media to express their excitement.Pant's return is a significant boost for the Delhi Capitals, who missed his leadership and explosive batting last season. The 26-year-old has been a key figure for the franchise since his debut in 2016, and his presence will undoubtedly bolster their chances of success in the upcoming IPL season.Beyond the IPL, Pant's return also has implications for the Indian national team. The wicketkeeper-batsman is a vital cog in India's T20 setup, and his availability could strengthen their chances at the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States.Pant's journey back to fitness has been arduous, but his determination and resilience have been evident throughout. After suffering multiple injuries in the December 2022 accident, he underwent intensive rehabilitation to regain his strength and mobility.The news of Pant's return has been met with widespread praise and admiration. Fans, teammates, and cricket experts alike have hailed his courage and determination. His comeback serves as an inspiration to all who have faced adversity and overcome challenges.As Pant prepares to step back onto the cricket field, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. His return promises to be a memorable moment for the sport and a testament to the indomitable spirit of one of India's most talented cricketers.

Alex Carey's heroics in the second Test against New Zealand have etched his name alongside legendary wicketkeeper-batters Adam Gilchrist and Rishabh Pant. Carey's unbeaten 98 guided Australia to a thrilling three-wicket victory, securing a 2-0 series sweep.Carey's innings was a masterclass in resilience and composure. With Australia reeling at 80/5, he steadied the ship, forging a crucial partnership with skipper Pat Cummins. His 123-ball knock featured 15 boundaries, showcasing his exceptional strokeplay.Carey's performance was not limited to his batting. He also equaled Gilchrist's record for most dismissals in a Test match for Australia, with 10 catches and a stumping. This all-round brilliance earned him the 'Player of the Match' award.Carey's achievement is particularly significant considering the elite company he joins. Gilchrist, known for his explosive batting, holds the record for the highest score by a wicketkeeper in a successful run-chase, with his 149* against Pakistan in 1999. Pant, India's dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, is third on the list with his 89* against Australia in 2021.Carey's heroics have not only cemented his place in Australian cricket history but also highlighted the growing importance of wicketkeeper-batters in the modern game. Their ability to contribute significantly with both bat and gloves makes them invaluable assets to any team.

Rishabh Pant's much-anticipated return to cricket is imminent, with BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirming that the wicketkeeper-batter will participate in the upcoming IPL. Shah expressed optimism that Pant could also feature in the T20 World Cup later this year, provided he can maintain his fitness and wicketkeeping abilities.Pant has been sidelined since a horrific car accident in December 2022, which left him with severe injuries. However, he has made remarkable progress in his recovery and is now batting and keeping well. Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has already confirmed Pant's participation in the IPL, while co-owner Parth Jindal expects him to be fully fit and lead the team from the start.Meanwhile, India's premier pacer Mohammed Shami is also expected to make his comeback later this year. Shah revealed that Shami's ankle surgery was successful, and he is likely to return for the home Test series against Bangladesh in September. Shami missed the Test series against England and will also sit out of the IPL due to his injury.KL Rahul, who missed the last four Tests of the England series due to a quadriceps injury, is also expected to return for the IPL. He has undergone treatment in London and is currently undergoing rehab at the NCA. However, it is understood that Rahul is still awaiting clearance to join his IPL franchise, Lucknow Super Giants.The return of Pant and Shami will be a major boost for India, who are aiming to win the T20 World Cup on home soil later this year. Pant's wicketkeeping skills and explosive batting will be crucial for the team, while Shami's experience and pace will strengthen the bowling attack.

Delhi Capitals (DC) coach Ricky Ponting has shed light on the team's plans for the highly anticipated return of star player Rishabh Pant in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Pant, who has been recovering from a severe car accident in December 2022, is expected to make his comeback to professional cricket later this month.Ponting revealed the team's perspective, stating, "It's a big decision we'll have to make because if he is fit, you'd think he'd step straight back into that captaincy role." However, he added, "If he's not entirely fit and we have to use him in a slightly different role, then we've got some decisions to make there."Assessing Pant's progress, Ponting noted, "He's actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us." He expressed confidence in Pant's physical readiness, asserting, "He's kept in one of those games, he's fielded in these games and the batting hasn't seemingly been an issue for him so far."Reflecting on Pant's journey, Ponting acknowledged the challenges the player has faced, stating, "We've obviously had worries and concerns that he might not have made it in time to be ready for the IPL this year." He added, "I mean, he was a huge loss for us last year and what he went through, we can't even begin to describe what he's been through the last 12 or 14 months."Expressing anticipation for Pant's return, Ponting remarked, "I want to see him back playing cricket again. I think the whole world wants to see him back playing cricket again and just playing with that youthful exuberance that he has." Ponting highlighted Pant's natural talent, stating, "Knowing Rishabh, it probably won't (take time to adjust) because he's such a natural talent."Ponting emphasized the importance of Pant maintaining his aggressive style of play, asserting, "I think he'll just go out there and certainly, that's my job anyway - I'll be telling him to go back out and play the way that he's always played."As cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Pant's return, Ponting's insights offer a glimpse into the team's approach and expectations for the dynamic player in the IPL season.

Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has urged India to retain Dhruv Jurel as their specialist wicket-keeper in Test cricket, even after Rishabh Pant recovers from his injuries. Pant has been sidelined since late 2022 due to a car accident, but is expected to return to action in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL).Hogg believes that Pant should prove his fitness and form in domestic cricket before being considered for the national team. "I think they will keep with Jurel and not go back to Pant quickly," Hogg said on his YouTube channel. "I think they will make him go and play some first-class cricket in the longest format so that they make sure his body can withstand it and make sure, from a batting perspective, he still has the ability that he had before the accident."Hogg emphasized the importance of caution in Pant's return to Test cricket. "I really hope that Pant gets back to playing Test cricket, but I feel it is a huge risk if they rush him back," he added.Meanwhile, in the ongoing fifth Test between India and England in Dharamsala, Kuldeep Yadav starred with a five-wicket haul to dismiss England for 218. Yadav's performance, along with Ravichandran Ashwin's four wickets in his 100th Test, gave India a strong start on the opening day.

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.

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.