Rishabh Pant set to return but Delhi Capitals won't have this player in IPL 2024

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The Delhi Capitals franchise faces a setback as Australian fast bowler Jhye Richardson will miss the first half of IPL 2024 due to an injury, their owner Parth Jindal confirmed.

The Capitals had secured Richardson's talents for Rs 5 Crore at the IPL auction, but his recovery from a side strain means he won't be joining the early games of the season. DC are not going to name any replacements for the Australian as he is available partially this year.

Despite the blow to their bowling lineup, the Capitals are buoyed by the return of key players Rishabh Pant and Anrich Nortje.

While Richardson's absence is a significant loss, the Capitals have good news as well. Rishabh Pant is set to lead the team and will focus on his batting in the initial matches. Anrich Nortje, the South African speedster who missed action since September 2023 due to a groin injury, is now fit and ready to play from the get-go.

Richardson, who played for the Punjab Kings in 2021 and missed the last two IPL seasons, has shown his prowess in the Big Bash League with 94 wickets in 70 matches. However, he has been sidelined since January after missing the latter half of the BBL 2023-24 season and the West Indies series.

The 27-year-old has played across all formats for Australia and has 59 wickets across the three formats.

"He's touch and go but will definitely be available for some part of IPL," DC co-owner Parth Jindal said to ESPNCricinfo.

The Capitals will start their IPL 2024 campaign with an away match against Punjab Kings. They will also play their first two home matches in Vizag.