Rishabh Pant’s Potential Return Brings Hope to Delhi Capitals: Ponting’s Perspective
The Delhi Capitals’ upcoming IPL season is buzzing with anticipation as Ricky Ponting sheds light on Rishabh Pant’s positive outlook for participating in the entire tournament. After a harrowing car crash in December 2022 that kept Pant away from the game, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman is eager to make a comeback.
Ponting acknowledges Pant’s confidence in being match-fit but remains uncertain about his role as a wicketkeeper or team captain. Despite missing significant tournaments in the past, including the last year’s IPL, ODI World Cup, and crucial Test series, Pant’s resilience shines through as he inches towards a potential return.
“Rishabh pant is very confident that he’s going to be right to play. In what capacity we’re not quite sure yet,” Ponting shares, emphasizing Pant’s enthusiasm and dedication to contribute on all fronts. However, Ponting remains pragmatic, expressing uncertainty about Pant’s readiness to don the wicketkeeping gloves or captain’s cap.
While Ponting remains cautiously optimistic about Pant featuring in all games, he acknowledges the challenges given the proximity to the tournament’s commencement. “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,” Ponting adds.
Ponting underscores the significance of Pant’s potential return, recognizing him as a dynamic player and the team’s captain. Having missed Pant’s services dearly in the previous IPL season, Ponting considers even a partial appearance a bonus for the team.
“He’s such a dynamic player. He’s obviously our captain. We missed him incredibly last year. If you understand the journey he’s been on the last 12-13 months, it was a horrific incident,” Ponting reflects on Pant’s challenging journey to recovery, emphasizing the cricketer’s gratitude for the opportunity to play again.
In case Pant isn’t ready to lead, Ponting confirms that David Warner will continue to captain the team. Despite a challenging IPL 2023, where Delhi Capitals finished second-last, Ponting approaches the upcoming season with optimism.
“With Harry Brook coming into the set-up as well, so Warner, [Mitch] Marsh, Harry Brook, we’ve got some really good overseas batters,” Ponting shares his positive outlook. He highlights the potential of key players like Marsh and Warner at the top, the finishing role of Harry Brook, and the strength of the squad with fit bowlers and spin options.
As Delhi Capitals gear up for the new season, Ponting acknowledges the team’s underperformance in recent years but expresses confidence in the squad’s potential. The anticipation builds as fans eagerly await Pant’s potential comeback and the team’s quest for a successful campaign in the upcoming IPL.
Source: Cricbuzz
