Ponting Anticipates Rishabh Pant’s Return in Latest ICC Review
Following a severe car accident in December 2022, Rishabh Pant is gearing up for a comeback to professional cricket with the Capitals. The wicket-keeper/batter has already begun his recovery process, participating in several match practice sessions with his Indian teammate, Hardik Pandya, at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Listen to the latest episode of the ICC Review.
In the latest episode of The ICC Review, Ricky Ponting expressed his anticipation for Pant to captain the team from the start of the tournament, provided his fitness allows.
“It’s a significant decision we have to make. If he is fit, he would likely resume his captaincy role,” Ponting said. “If he’s not entirely fit and we have to use him in a slightly different role, then we have some decisions to make.”
In the latest ICC Review, Delhi Capitals coach and ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting shares his insights on how wicket-keeper/batter Rishabh Pant will reintegrate into the IPL setup.
Ponting praised Pant for his hard work in trying to return to the cricketing scene. He believes the recent practice sessions at the NCA will prepare him well for Delhi’s opening IPL match against the Punjab Kings in Mohali on March 23.
“He’s actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us,” Ponting said. “I know he’s worked incredibly hard on his body and his fitness to get back to the level that he’s at now. He’s kept in one of those games, he’s fielded in these games and the batting hasn’t seemingly been an issue for him so far.”
Ponting expressed the collective anticipation for Pant’s return to cricket after a challenging recovery period. “I’m very hopeful, not just as the coach of the Delhi Capitals, but I want to see him back playing cricket again. I think the whole world wants to see him back playing cricket again and just playing with that youthful exuberance that he has. If he does that, then I know he’ll win some games for Delhi and we’ll have a good time along the way this season.”
Recognizing Pant’s natural talent, the former Australian skipper expressed confidence that he would quickly find his footing upon his return. “Knowing Rishabh, it probably won’t (take time to adjust) because he’s such a natural talent and just knowing the sort of person that he is, I don’t think he’ll be awed,” Ponting said. “I don’t think he’ll be scared by the comeback. The fact that he’s missed 15 months of cricket, I don’t think it’ll faze him too much.”
