In Delhi Capitals’ clash against Punjab Kings in Chandigarh, Rishabh Pant, the captain, made a long-awaited return to competitive cricket after a hiatus of about 15 months. While his performance with the bat might not have been extraordinary, scoring 18 runs off 13 balls, Pant’s impact went beyond his batting stint.
Taking charge behind the stumps, Pant showcased his alertness and agility with a sharp stumping that dismissed the threatening Jitesh Sharma off Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling. Sharma, attempting a reverse sweep to Yadav’s delivery pitched across him, missed the ball entirely, resulting in his body moving outside the crease.
WATCH – Rishabh Pant Receives Standing Ovation From Crowd In Emotional Return
Rishabh Pant seized the opportunity, swiftly removing the bails to effect the dismissal, leaving Sharma stranded and the umpire with little doubt in his decision. Pant’s return to action was eagerly anticipated, especially after his long rehabilitation following a severe car crash in December 2022.
𝙌𝙐𝙄𝘾𝙆 𝙃𝘼𝙉𝘿𝙎 ⚡
Skipper @RishabhPant17 with an amazing piece of glove work to dismiss Jitesh Sharma 👐#PBKS require 63 from 36 deliveries
Watch the match LIVE on @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia 💻📱
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Despite facing a challenging delivery from Harshal Patel, Pant displayed glimpses of his attacking prowess before being caught at backward point by Jonny Bairstow. His intent to accelerate the innings was evident, particularly after the dismissal of Shai Hope, as he aimed to take on the Punjab Kings bowlers.
WATCH – Ishant Sharma’s Run-Out of Jonny Bairstow At Non-Striker’s End Leaves Fans Stunned
However, Pant’s journey in the match wasn’t without its share of luck. He received a reprieve when Harshal Patel failed to hold on to a catch near the boundary ropes, granting Pant a lifeline after dispatching a delivery from Rahul Chahar towards deep square leg.
Overall, while Pant’s return to cricket might not have yielded significant individual milestones, his presence and contributions, both with the bat and behind the stumps, underscored his importance to the Delhi Capitals lineup, reaffirming his status as a key player in the team’s quest for success in IPL 2024.
