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Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant’s comeback in the IPL is unsure after not receiving fitness clearance from National Cricket yet according to reports.
Fans all around became excited when Pant’s availability for this year’s IPL was confirmed by the Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal a couple of weeks ago.
“I am expecting Rishabh to play IPL and he will lead from match one. First seven games we are going to play him only as a batter and depending on how his body reacts, we will take a call for the rest of the IPL,” said Jindal to Espn.
But as of now when Rishabh is yet to receive his fitness clearance the situation for the team management remains tricky. Capitals coach Ponting while speaking on ICC review regarding management’s stance on Pant’s situation, “
It’s a big decision we’ll have to make because if he is fit, you’d think he’d step straight back into that captaincy role.”
He added, “If he’s not entirely fit and we have to use him in a slightly different role, then we’ve got some decisions to make there.”
Capitals’ Director of Cricket, Sourav Ganguly earlier confirmed about receiving Pant’s clearance report by 5th March. Not receiving the clearance report means he will not be added to the squad officially and have to request BCCI for his inclusion as an additional player.
The 26-year-old currently in rehabilitation at Bengaluru’s National Cricket Academy(NCA), played his first warm-up match the previous month in Alur. It was the first 20-over match he played following his accident in December 2022.
Reports suggested that he faced slight discomfort while batting but it was not something to be concerned about as per the NCA doctors.
Ponting on Pant’s progress, “He’s actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us.”
The Capitals coach seemed confident that his comeback after such a long time wouldn’t be of any hindrance because of the “natural talent” he possesses and kind the of fearless mentality he has.
Delhi Capitals will begin their 2024 IPL campaign against Punjab Kings on 23rd March in Mohali, will Rishabh lead them in that match would be something to keep an eye on in the upcoming IPL.
