Ricky Ponting Provides Crucial Update On Rishabh Pant's IPL 2024 Readiness
Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting has given a significant update regarding Rishabh Pant 's fitness status ahead of the Indian Premier League 2024. Addressing the ICC Review, Ponting revealed that Rishabh Pant has commenced wicketkeeping practice at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
This development comes as a welcome relief for both DC and Indian cricket enthusiasts who have been eagerly awaiting news on the talented cricketer's recovery. Pant has been sidelined from cricket activities since his harrowing accident in December 2022, where he was involved in a near-fatal car crash while driving solo from New Delhi to Roorkee. The subsequent 15 months saw Pant undergo extensive surgeries and rehabilitation.
Ponting, at the helm of DC's coaching staff, disclosed that the management is yet to make a definitive decision on Pant's readiness to assume full-time duties in IPL 2024 . However, he acknowledged the tremendous dedication Pant has shown in his rehabilitation efforts.
“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,” Ponting remarked. “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,” he added.
Delhi Capitals kick off their IPL campaign on 23rd March. When queried about Pant's availability for the opener, Ponting expressed satisfaction with Rishabh's progress at the NCA. Additionally, it has been confirmed by sources to India Today that Pant received a match-ready certification from the NCA in early March.
“He's actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us,” Ponting revealed. “I know he's worked incredibly hard on his body and his fitness to get back to the level that he's at now. 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,” he further elaborated.
“We've obviously had worries and concerns that he might not have made it in time to be ready for the IPL this year. 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,” concluded the legendary cricketer.
In Pant's absence during IPL 2023, David Warner took over the reins as captain. Delhi Capitals endured a disappointing season, finishing in the 9th position among 10 teams. The absence of Pant left noticeable gaps in the team's batting lineup, areas they are keen to address in the upcoming season.
This development comes as a welcome relief for both DC and Indian cricket enthusiasts who have been eagerly awaiting news on the talented cricketer's recovery. Pant has been sidelined from cricket activities since his harrowing accident in December 2022, where he was involved in a near-fatal car crash while driving solo from New Delhi to Roorkee. The subsequent 15 months saw Pant undergo extensive surgeries and rehabilitation.
Ponting, at the helm of DC's coaching staff, disclosed that the management is yet to make a definitive decision on Pant's readiness to assume full-time duties in IPL 2024 . However, he acknowledged the tremendous dedication Pant has shown in his rehabilitation efforts.
“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,” Ponting remarked. “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,” he added.
Delhi Capitals kick off their IPL campaign on 23rd March. When queried about Pant's availability for the opener, Ponting expressed satisfaction with Rishabh's progress at the NCA. Additionally, it has been confirmed by sources to India Today that Pant received a match-ready certification from the NCA in early March.
“He's actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us,” Ponting revealed. “I know he's worked incredibly hard on his body and his fitness to get back to the level that he's at now. 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,” he further elaborated.
“We've obviously had worries and concerns that he might not have made it in time to be ready for the IPL this year. 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,” concluded the legendary cricketer.
In Pant's absence during IPL 2023, David Warner took over the reins as captain. Delhi Capitals endured a disappointing season, finishing in the 9th position among 10 teams. The absence of Pant left noticeable gaps in the team's batting lineup, areas they are keen to address in the upcoming season.
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