(Delhi Capitals IPL)
Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting has expressed confidence in Rishabh Pant’s ability to make a significant impact during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA in June. Ponting commended Pant for his remarkable comeback to cricket following a serious car accident, describing it as “nothing short of spectacular.”
Rishabh Pant made an impressive return to competitive cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. The left-handed batsman accumulated 446 runs at an average of 40.54 and a strike rate of 155.4. Additionally, Pant, serving as the DC skipper, dispelled any doubts about his wicket-keeping skills by registering 16 dismissals behind the stumps.
Having recovered from severe injuries sustained in a major accident in December 2022, the 26-year-old batsman made a triumphant return to professional cricket after a 15-month hiatus. Rishabh Pant has also solidified his position as one of the two wicketkeeper-batsmen for the Indian cricket team in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Ricky Ponting: Remarkable Performance
Ricky Ponting admitted to harboring initial doubts about Rishabh Pant’s comeback to cricket, considering the psychological and physical hurdles following the accident. Ponting confessed to fearing that Pant might never return to play, recalling Pant’s inability to walk a few months post-accident.
“He was on crutches. And I remember saying to him, what do you think about next season? He just looked at me and said, don’t worry, I’ll be right. And he’s looked after himself incredibly well. The Delhi Capitals franchise has done a great job looking after him. Patrick Farhart has been his physio. He’s done a great job with him as well,” Ponting added.
Ricky Ponting says I’ve Enjoyed Every Moment.
Expressing his satisfaction, the 49-year-old mentioned that he has cherished every moment spent working alongside Rishabh Pant. Ricky Ponting expressed his optimism, hoping that the young cricketer would leave a notable mark on the upcoming World Cup.
“I’ve enjoyed every moment of working with him. Obviously, he’s been the captain of the Delhi Capitals, and I’ve been the coach there. But it’s been a remarkable comeback, and hopefully he has a huge impact on this World Cup,” Ponting concluded.
Rishabh Pant is vying for a spot in the playing XI against competition from Sanju Samson in the earlier matches of the World Cup. Sanju Samson emerged as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded IPL tournament. Samson showcased his batting prowess by amassing 531 runs in 15 innings, boasting an impressive average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.46, which included five half-centuries.
