IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant to lead Delhi Capitals, won't keep wicket

Parth Jindal, co-owner of the Delhi Capitals, has stated that Rishabh Pant is expected to return for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) and lead the team at first, but he will not be the team's wicketkeeper for the first half of the season. Notably, Pant has been out of action since December 2022 following a near-fatal car accident.

According to Jindal, head coach Ricky Ponting and team director Sourav Ganguly were optimistic that Pant will start the IPL and the BCCI's (Board of Control for Cricket in India) fitness clearance is pending. He further stated that the youngster will only play as a batter for the first seven games and that plans will be made based on how his body responds.

"Rishabh is batting. He's running. He has started his wicketkeeping. He is likely to be fully fit for the IPL. 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." Jindal said in a chat with ESPNcricinfo.

Also read: Reports: Delhi Capitals will not play first two home matches at Arun Jaitley Stadium

The last match that Pant was part of was the Test series in Bangladesh in December 2022. He has put a lot of effort into making a spectacular recovery from his tragic vehicle accident on December 30, 2022, which included successful surgery on three main knee ligaments in his right leg. Recently, he was spotted taking part in National Cricket Academy (NCA)-organized practice matches in Bengaluru.

Anrich Nortje to make his comeback in the IPL: Jindal

Parth Jindal stated that Anrich Nortje would be fit to play in their inaugural match on March 23 against the Punjab Kings. Nortje who has been sidelined due to injuries for some time is anticipated to join the camp in Visakhapatnam, according to Jindal. After recovering from a groin ailment, the right-arm fast bowler played ten games for the team in 2023 before returning home due to personal reasons. 

Also read: IPL 2024: Delhi Capitals (DC) Schedule 2024, Time Table, Timings, Dates, Venues Details and PDF Download

"He's (Anrich Nortje) fit. Right now, he is bowing at 80% intensity. Next week, he will bowl at 100%. He's going to make his comeback in the IPL. He is going to join our camp and should be good to go for our first game," Jindal said.