As the much-awaited IPL 2024 approached, all eyes were on Rishabh Pant, the survivor of a life-threatening car accident in December 2022. After a gruelling 14-month rehabilitation process, the BCCI’s medical team finally cleared Pant to resume his role as a wicketkeeper-batter for Delhi Capitals. However, doubts lingered about his readiness both physically and mentally.
With the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean & USA just around the corner, the national think-tank faced the crucial task of identifying India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the tournament. Jitesh Sharma and Ishan Kishan were initially considered front-runners in Pant’s absence.
Yet, in a surprising turn of events, Pant was listed as both captain and wicketkeeper for Delhi Capitals in their tournament opener against Punjab Kings. Despite a short-lived comeback knock, Pant successfully passed both batting and keeping tests, marking his return to competitive cricket after 453 days.
Delhi Capitals’ head coach Ricky Ponting and Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly wasted no time in praising Pant’s performance, suggesting that he may have catapulted himself into contention for India’s T20 World Cup squad.
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Ganguly expressed confidence in Pant’s abilities, asserting that he belongs to the elite bracket of players who will represent India in the World Cup. Ponting echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Pant’s exceptional form and potential impact on the team.
Pant has not only donned the gloves in all eight of DC’s IPL 2024 games but has also emerged as the team’s leading scorer in the tournament. His impressive batting average and strike rate mirror his vintage form, showcasing his ability to bounce back from adversity.
Ponting highlighted Pant’s remarkable progress, emphasizing his growing confidence and improved performance with each game. Despite facing terrifying times following the accident, Pant’s resilience and dedication have been commendable.
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Axar Patel, Pant’s teammate at both DC and in the Indian team, commended Pant’s growth, and maturity since the accident. He noted Pant’s newfound patience and calmness, both on and off the field, highlighting his enhanced focus on finishing games for the team.
While Pant may have undergone a transformation in his outlook on life, his approach to cricket remains unchanged. Ponting emphasized Pant’s unwavering commitment to the game, praising his remarkable recovery and return to form.
As Pant continues to shine on the field, his remarkable comeback story serves as an inspiration to all. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Pant’s resurgence has undoubtedly bolstered India’s prospects, reaffirming his status as one of the most talented and resilient cricketers of his generation.
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