Rishabh Pant, the star wicketkeeper-batter for India, is demonstrating his eagerness to return to competitive cricket through his recent Instagram post. After missing the 2023 edition due to a car accident, Pant will be leading the Delhi Capitals in the upcoming IPL 2024 season. Pant’s Instagram page serves as an inspiration for anyone seeking motivation and guidance on bouncing back from adversity.
Nearly a year after his first update post-accident, the post showcases him engaged in intense gym workouts, signifying a significant step in his recovery. Earlier in February, head coach Ricky Ponting confirmed Pant’s enthusiasm to rejoin the Delhi Capitals setup, marking his potential competitive return since the accident. Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal further reinforced this, announcing Pant’s leadership role and initial role as a pure batter for the season’s first half.
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“Rishabh is batting, running, and has begun wicketkeeping. He’s likely to be fully fit for the IPL,” Parth Jindal stated. “I expect him to play and lead from the first match. We’ll play him solely as a batsman for the initial seven games, and based on his physical response, make a call for the remainder of the IPL.”
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Pant’s recovery journey has been well-documented on social media. From using crutches in February 2023 to taking unaided steps a month later, then finally ditching the crutches in May and demonstrating his ability to climb stairs in June, he has displayed unwavering determination. By July, Pant had begun training at the National Cricket Academy, and his dedication continued. By 2024, he was able to run freely and resume wicketkeeping and batting practice.
On February 27th, Pant showcased his commitment to regaining full fitness by engaging in a demanding workout session involving heavy lifting and strength training. His movements appeared significantly smoother and more controlled compared to previous videos. Notably, he donned an elevation training mask, simulating the benefits of training at high altitudes.
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Pant’s near-fatal car accident in December 2022 forced him out of action for almost a year. However, his unwavering spirit and rigorous recovery efforts have paved the way for his much-anticipated return to the IPL with the Delhi Capitals.
The BCCI has announced the IPL 2024 schedule for the first 17 days, with the tournament opener featuring the defending champions, Chennai Super Kings, against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The Delhi Capitals will kick off their season against the Punjab Kings on March 23rd at the newly built Mullanpur Stadium in Mohali.
