IPL 2024: "Nervous" And "Excited" Delhi Capitals Skipper Rishabh Pant Ready For Second Debut

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Delhi Capitals and India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant feels excited and nervous ahead of his return to competitive action for the first time since the horrific car crash in December 2022.

Pant, who suffered multiple injuries following the near-fatal accident over a year ago, had missed the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season and several key India matches, including the ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship Final last year.

There were doubts if the DC captain would be fit for the start of IPL 2024, but the Delhi-based franchise and the cricketing world received a boost when it was revealed that Pant has started keeping wickets in practice games at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

On Monday (March 11), there was more good news after BCCI secretary Jay Shah revealed that Pant is fit for the IPL and will also be part of the T20 World Cup if he keeps wickets during the cash-rich league, which starts on March 22.

BCCI also released a statement regarding Pant's fitness and the wicketkeeper-batter felt like he was making his debut again after he was cleared by the NCA to play in the upcoming IPL 2024.

"I'm excited and nervous at the same time. It feels like I'm going to make my debut again," said star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, upon being declared fit by the BCCI for the upcoming edition of the IPL.

The 26-year-old, who underwent an extensive rehabilitation and recovery process following a life-threatening road accident, will be making a return to professional cricket after 14 months.

"To be able to play cricket again after everything I've been through is nothing short of a miracle," an emotional Pant said. "I'm grateful to all my well-wishers and fans, and most importantly, the BCCI and staff at NCA. All their love and support continues to give me immense strength."

Upon joining the Delhi Capitals camp ahead of the new season, Pant said, "I'm excited to return to Delhi Capitals & the IPL - a tournament I enjoy so much.

"Our team owners and support staff have been by my side throughout with their full support, guidance and co-operation at every step, for which I am deeply grateful. I can't wait to re-unite with my DC family and play in front of the fans again."

Speaking on the occasion, Delhi Capitals Chairman & Co-owner Parth Jindal said, "We're delighted to welcome Rishabh back to the Delhi Capitals family. The kind of grit and resilience he has displayed in overcoming challenges is inspirational to say the least.

"We're humbled to have been a part of his journey to recovery, which has been exceptional. Rishabh's return is one of the most highly anticipated ones in recent times, and I can't wait to see him compete again."

Team co-owner Kiran Grandhi said, "Rishabh's return is tremendous news not just for all of us at Delhi Capitals, but for Indian cricket. We're glad to have assisted and supported him whenever there was a requirement.

"We are tremendously excited to see him back in DC colours, and can't wait to watch him entertain the fans. Our best wishes are with him"

Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Punjab Kings on Saturday, 23 Match 2024 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Mohali.

Source: Media Release