'It is great to have the son of Delhi back in IPL' - AB de Villiers expresses excitement ahead of Rishabh Pant's much-awaited comeback

The cricket fraternity is waiting with bated breath to witness the much-awaited comeback of Rishabh Pant to competitive cricket during the impending Indian Premier League (IPL 2024).

The 26-year-old encountered a horrific accident in December 2022. He suffered multiple injuries that took a considerable amount of time to heal. However, after intense rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, the southpaw has received clearance to participate in the 17th season of the IPL as a wicketkeeper-batter. Cricket enthusiasts are waiting to see the flamboyant cricketer in action once again. AB de Villiers, who is one of the greatest cricketers to have played in the IPL, expressed his excitement at the prospect of watching Pant back on the cricket field.

"The son of Delhi will be watched by thousands around India and around the globe again and by me...It's great to have him back," De Villiers said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Also Read: Maybe in the beginning, we won't see the real Rishabh Pant that we are used to: Sunil Gavaskar

I absolutely love watching Rishabh Pant play: AB de Villiers

The South African legend used to wear No. 17 on his jersey, the same number that Pant wears. De Villiers said that it is one of the reasons behind his special connection to the Roorkee-born. Pant's only IPL ton came in 2018 against Sunrisers Hyderabad when he slammed an unbeaten 128 runs from 63 balls. De Villiers hopes to see the youngster register multiple centuries in IPL 2024.

"He's got number 17 on his back; I used to have 17 on my back. There's a bit of chemistry, and I absolutely love watching this guy play. He scored an IPL hundred, maybe this will be the season for number two, three, maybe even four," De Villiers added.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant returns to lead Delhi Capitals

Last year, David Warner led Delhi Capitals in the absence of Pant. The franchise finished ninth in the 10-team tournament, managing to win five and losing nine out of their 14 matches. This year, Pant will be back at the helm and Delhi fans can be upbeat about their chances in the cash-rich league. Delhi Capitals begin their IPL 2024 campaign on Saturday, March 23 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur as they take on Punjab Kings.