“Rishabh’s very confident that he’s going to be right to play” -DC coach Ricky Ponting gives update on Pant’s for IPL 2024.

Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting has conveyed that team captain Rishabh Pant is looking forward to a complete comeback to cricket in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). Pant, the wicket-keeper batter, has been sidelined since a car crash in December 2022 but is nearing full fitness, as indicated by his recent updates on social media.

While it’s not confirmed if Pant will resume his dual responsibilities as wicketkeeper-batter and captain, there is an option for him to participate solely as a batter, considering the impact player rule in place. Ponting, now the head coach of Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise Washington Freedom, maintains a cautiously optimistic stance regarding Pant’s return to the DC team.

Ponting said “Rishabh is very confident that he’s going to be right to play. In what capacity we’re not quite sure yet. You would have seen all the social-media stuff, he’s up and about and running well. But in saying that we’re only six weeks away from the first game as well. So we’re not sure if we’ll get wicketkeeping out of him this year.”

Ponting anticipates that Pant will be determined to take on all the roles with the franchise rather than easing back into the sport after an extended break.

“But I’ll guarantee if I asked him now he’ll say, ‘I’m playing every game, I’m keeping every game and I’m batting at No.4.’ That’s just what he’s like, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed. He’s such a dynamic player. He’s obviously our captain. We missed him incredibly last year.”

In Pant’s absence during the 2023 IPL, DC, led by David Warner, finished in the ninth position on the points table. The team faced challenges from the start, suffering five consecutive defeats and ultimately missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year.