Can’t wait to meet the fans in Delhi during IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is set to make his return to competitive cricket next month during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter has been out of action since he sustained multiple injuries following a near-fatal car accident on the Delhi-Dehradun highway in December 2022.

Pant recently played a warm-up game in Alur and fans hoped that it was an indication of him being in line for a comeback during IPL 2024. On Friday, February 23, Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal confirmed that the star cricketer will be returning to action in their first match in the 17th season of the IPL and will also lead the team. However, Jindal also mentioned that the talented youngster will be playing the role of a specialist batter in the first half of the cash-rich league and then the team management will assess his physical condition and take a call on whether he can keep wickets for the remainder of the tournament.

The 26-year-old is waiting anxiously to get back on the field, and he recently said in an interview that he is eager to meet the fans in Delhi.

“The IPL is not only about cricket; it’s also about the fans that make every match memorable. With Star Sports’ ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, I will get to share the game’s excitement with fans directly. Can’t wait to meet the fans in Delhi during IPL 2024 and make more special memories together!” Pant was quoted as saying by India Today.

Last year, Delhi Capitals had a forgettable campaign as they finished ninth on the table, winning just five games and losing nine. Pant was in the stands at the Arun Jaitley Stadium to support the Delhi-based franchise, as David Warner acted as the wrecker-in-chief in the stumper-batter's absence.

This year, the Capitals have received a major boost with the return of their regular skipper. They are going to begin their IPL 2024 campaign with a match against Punjab Kings on March 23 at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali, while their first couple of home games will be played in Visakhapatnam.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Why are Delhi Capitals playing in Visakhapatnam instead of their home ground?