After a harrowing 453 days away from the cricket pitch, the dynamic and charismatic Rishabh Pant is all set to make his grand comeback in professional cricket. As the Delhi Capitals gear up to commence their 2024 IPL campaign against the Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on March 23, the spotlight firmly rests on Pant, whose journey back to the field is nothing short of inspirational.
The Accident That Paused A Rising Star
In December 2022, Rishabh Pant‘s life took a dramatic turn when he was involved in a severe car accident while traveling from Delhi to Roorkee. The incident, aimed at surprising his mother for the New Year, resulted in multiple injuries for Pant, including a significant ligament tear in his right knee and cuts on his forehead. Following surgery in Mumbai and an extensive rehabilitation process, Pant’s determination and resilience have seen him recover and ready to step back into the arena of professional cricket.
A Comeback Fueled by Determination
Rishabh Pant’s last appearance on the cricket field was during India’s tour of Bangladesh on December 25, 2022, where he played a vital role despite the challenges faced by the team. Since then, fans and fellow cricketers alike have eagerly awaited his return. The wait ends as Pant, filled with a blend of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation, leads the Delhi Capitals once again.
“I’m jittery, nervous, excited – all of it. But at the same time, just happy being able to come back to professional cricket. I’m just looking forward to playing my first game tomorrow,” Pant shared, reflecting on the whirlwind of emotions accompanying his return.
The Impact of Rishabh Pant’s Absence and Anticipated Return
The Delhi Capitals felt the absence of their swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter profoundly, finishing second from bottom last season with only five wins in 14 games. The return of Pant is not just a boost to the team’s morale but also to their performance prospects in IPL 2024. Ricky Ponting, the head coach, expressed his delight, highlighting Pant’s significance not only as a player but as a person whose attitude and spirit uplift everyone around him.
“There’s no doubt last year we missed our captain, we missed one of the best players in the world. Just his attitude, his smile, the way he goes about his cricket, he’s a winner. He wants to win games,” Ponting remarked.
Looking Ahead: A Milestone in Sight
As Pant steps back onto the field, he is not just returning to the game he loves but is also on the cusp of a personal milestone. With 98 IPL games under his belt, Pant is only two matches away from joining the elite club of cricketers with 100 IPL appearances. His journey from a promising young talent to a seasoned campaigner has been filled with remarkable performances, including scoring 2,838 runs at an electrifying pace.
Thanku god and every one. Happy to be back in field. Yes didn’t get the result we wanted but will keep improving day by day and give 100 percent commitment and effort. Loved being on the field. 🫡👍🤞🏻🤞🏻 pic.twitter.com/Hoo1Q8F1F7
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) March 23, 2024
The cricketing world awaits the return of Rishabh Pant, not just to witness his prowess on the field but to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and resilience. As the Delhi Capitals embark on their 2024 IPL journey, all eyes will be on Pant, ready to cheer on this warrior as he makes his much-anticipated return to the cricket battlefield.
