Rishabh Pant is about to make his much-awaited comeback to the cricket scene, and all indications suggest he will play a significant role in the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. After almost a year off the pitch, Pant has made his formal debut as the Delhi Capitals’ captain for the 2024 Indian Premier League.
Rishabh Pant will finish his therapy at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru by the end of February, according to expectations. His participation in IPL matches, though, is reliant on the NCA giving the all-clear.
The 26-year-old cricket player has struggled with back and ankle issues in addition to recovering from surgery on his right knee following an accident last year. Although there are still questions over Pant’s suitability for wicketkeeping, team officials make it clear that his participation would depend on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) approval.
Cricbuzz cited a franchise official who stated, “If he is not keeping, he will definitely be on the field and will lead the side,” putting an end to rumors that Pant would only play impact roles. The Delhi Capitals finished eighth in the points standings during the previous IPL season, which was clearly marked by his absence.
The Delhi Capitals are counting on Pant’s leadership to turn around their fortunes in the upcoming season, and they are anxiously awaiting his return. Pant’s absence from India’s 62 international games since January 2023 has been noteworthy due to his missing important matches, significant tournaments like the Asia Cup and World Cup, and series against Australia, the West Indies, and Ireland.
BCCI releases the IPL auction list for the 2024 edition.
Another noteworthy aspect is that it has been disclosed that 333 players—214 Indians and 119 foreign players—will be up for auction in the mini-auction scheduled for December 19 at the Coca-Cola stadium in Dubai. While 13 players have a base price of INR 1.5 crore, the top bid’s reserve price of INR 2 crore attracts 23 players. It is anticipated that players like as Harry Brook, Mitchell Starc, and Travis Head would be sought after during the auction.