‘He won't be the usual Rishabh Pant we are used to seeing’ - Sunil Gavaskar ahead of DC skipper’s return in IPL 2024

Star India batter Rishabh Pant suffered multiple injuries following a horrific car accident in December 2022, which ruled him out of action for the entire 2023. As things stand, the southpaw is aiming to make a comeback in IPL 2024, in which, he is expected to play most of the games and also lead Delhi Capitals.

Ahead of that, former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar stated that he is a big fan of the cricketer and expects him to return all healthy. The 74-year-old mentioned that people behind the scenes shouldn’t hurry and ample time needs to be given to Rishabh to regain full fitness. Gavaskar also believes that Pant won’t be the usual explosive force that the cricketing fraternity is accustomed to as his knee injury can play a pivotal role.

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“I'm also a big fan of him. For me, the most important thing is he should be healthy like before, so that he can come and entertain us. It will be very difficult for him and it will take some time for him to get that batting fluency. But good that he has started training," Gavaskar told Star Sports.

“Knee plays a pivotal role in batting as well as keeping - which of course he may not do initially. Maybe he won't be the usual Rishabh Pant that we are used to seeing. He certainly has the ability to think on his feet. If he gets back to full fitness, the reins of (Delhi Capitals) captaincy should be handed over to him. Let's stay hopeful. This season is first of him coming back to full fitness. Let's not rush him into doing something that there will be a setback,” he added.

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Pant is reported to have entered the final stage of his recovery. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), as DC are keeping a close eye on his fitness. In case the Roorkee-born cricketer fails to regain full fitness ahead of the IPL, which is slated to begin on March 22, Pant might end up playing as an Impact player.