Flamboyant wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is all set to return to competitive cricket and is working hard at NCA to regain fitness for the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League. The southpaw's return will be a big boost for Delhi Capitals, confirmed Sourav Ganguly, director of cricket for the franchise. However, the former India captain suggested that the DC is still waiting for clearance from the NCA, after which the NCA will decide on his possible employment as captain and wicketkeeper.
Pant had a horrific road accident in 2022 and missed a lot of cricket due to several injuries. The wicketkeeper-batsman went through a tough phase but is working hard to recover in time for IPL 2024 as Delhi Capitals have placed him on the retention list for this season.
Ganguly claimed that it would be great for Delhi Capitals if Pant is available throughout the season.
“Having Rishabh back healthy is a big addition for us. I hope he plays a full season because he is a very special player. We have a number of players who have performed well in all formats. We have been working with domestic players, but Rishabh is very important,'' Ganguly told Times of India.
Meanwhile, DC's Director of Cricket Operations admitted that the franchise is yet to take a final decision on whether Pant will resume captaincy duties as they await NCA clearance.
“He is doing everything to stay fit and that is why the NCA will clear him. We will clear Rishabh on March 5 and then we will talk about back-up captaincy. “We are taking a cautious approach with him because he has a very long career ahead of him. We don't want to get him excited. We will see how Rishabh reacts. “If the NCA gives permission, I will join the camp. I will take a match-by-match look. I can't make any predictions,” he added. .
Australia's David Warner was appointed interim captain of Delhi last season in Pant's absence, but the move did not go well for the team as they finished ninth in the points table.
Ganguly also pointed to the backup wicket-keeper options in Delhi in case Pant proves unavailable for military duty.
“As for the wicketkeeper options, we have Kumar Kushagra. Ricky Bhui has had a very good season. We also have Shai Hope and Tristan Stubbs,” Ganguly said.
