IPL 2024: Delhi Capitals Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly says 'I don't want to get excited and push Rishabh Pant'

Delhi Capitals (DC) Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly has said the Indian Premier League franchise will fast-track Rishabh Pant, who is on the path to making a comeback after being injured in a horrific car accident, in December 2022. He made it clear that he had no intention of doing so.

Pant suffered multiple injuries, including a cut on his forehead, a bruised back and a damaged ankle, which kept him out of action for more than a year and missed major international tournaments. He underwent surgery for torn ligaments in his right knee.

Pant had recently shared a video of his training session in which he was seen undergoing batting and wicketkeeping drills.

Also Read | Rishabh Pant 'pushes his limits' in the gym, inching closer to comeback in IPL 2024

In an interview with TOI, Sourav Ganguly was asked about the hype surrounding Pant's return and said, “That's part of professional sports. Having Rishabh back healthy is a huge addition for us. We hope he plays a full season because he's a very special player. We have been working on some of the domestic players who have done well in the 2018 season. But Rishabh is very important.”

When asked about Pant's wicket-keeping in IPL 2024 and more information, Ganguly said, “I'm going to play Pant in IPL 2024. Let's get Rishabh cleared on March 5 and then talk about backing up the captain. We are taking a cautious approach to him because he has a very long career ahead of him. We don't want to get him excited. Let's see how Rishabh reacts. He will join the camp once the NCA gives him permission. We'll take a look at each match. We cannot predict. ”

“For the wicket options, we have Kumar Kushagra. Ricky Bhui has had a very good season. We also have Shai Hope and Tristan Stubbs,” Sourav Ganguly added.

Also Read | IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant will lead Delhi Capitals, but Parth Jindal admits he will only play as a batsman in the first half

Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal had earlier told ESPNcricinfo that Pant will be the captain of DC but will not keep wickets in the first half of the season.

“Rishabh is batting. He is running. He has started wickets. He will probably be able to adapt perfectly to IPL. I expect Rishabh to play in IPL and he He will lead from the first match. I will only play him as a batsman for the first seven matches, but depending on how his body reacts, he will play in the remaining matches of the IPL,” Parth Jindal said. said.

Also Read | 'He won't be the usual Rishabhpant': Sunil Gavaskar's cautious remarks on DC captain's return

However, Sunil Gavaskar of Star Sports opined that the team management should not do anything that could lead to further setbacks.

“He certainly has the ability to think on his feet. Once he returns to full fitness, the reins of captaincy (of Delhi Capitals) should be handed over to him. Let's hold out hope. Now This will be his first season back to full fitness. Don't rush him into doing anything just because he's going to have a setback. The knee is extremely important not only for batting but also for keeping. He plays a role, but of course it may not be the case initially. He probably won't be the usual Rishabh Pant that we are used to seeing,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.