Rishabh Pant plays first game after accident, will likely only feature as batter in IPL 2024

Following a harrowing accident in late 2022 that nearly cost him his career, Rishabh Pant is making remarkable strides towards a full recovery, raising hopes for his return in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The young cricketer, who has been sidelined for almost 15 months, participated in a warm-up match in Alur, near Bengaluru, showcasing his readiness to get back into the game.

Cricbuzz reports that Pant, aged 26, is slated to captain the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2024 season. However, in a strategic move, he will contribute to the team exclusively as a batter, leaving the wicketkeeping responsibilities to another teammate. This decision comes in light of Pant's ongoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, where he has been diligently working towards regaining his pre-accident form and fitness.

Pant's performance in the warm-up game, his first competitive outing since the accident, has been encouraging. Observers noted his unimpeded mobility, which suggests that he can run and bat with the same vigour and freedom he was known for before the incident. Further bolstering Pant's recovery efforts, he underwent specialized treatment in London last month, facilitated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The anticipation surrounding Pant's return to the IPL is palpable, with final clearance from the NCA authorities pending. The Delhi Capitals franchise remains optimistic about Pant's leadership abilities, despite deciding to allocate the wicketkeeping role to another player for the upcoming season.

IPL 2024 set to start on March 22, will be held entirely in India: League chairman Arun Dhumal