Rishabh Pant is going to make a big impact in IPL 2024: Steven Smith

Pant is set to make his return to cricket after almost 14 months, having suffered serious injuries in a car crash in December 2022.

Published - 22 Mar 2024, 18:15 IST | Updated - 22 Mar 2024, 18:27 IST

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Rishabh Pant suffered multiple injuries due to a horrific car accident on December 2022, which ruled him out of action for the entire 2023. He trained hard at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for almost a year and is now set to make his return to the game in the match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. The star cricketer already stated that he is excited to make his return but is also a bit nervous ahead of IPL 2024.

Meanwhile, ahead of Pant’s first professional match since his return, star cricketer Steve Smith made a bold prediction and stated that the wicketkeeper-batter will have a massive impact in the upcoming tournament. Smith mentioned that he is excited to see Pant making his return and also called him a "superstar". He also believes that Pant can also force his way into the Indian team for the T20 World Cup by doing well in the IPL.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Comeback man Rishabh Pant 'jittery, nervous and excited' ahead of Delhi Capitals' season opener

“I'm excited to see Rishabh Pant back. Obviously, he has gone through a tough time lately. It's great to see him back on the field. He's going to want to make a big impact. So, we will see how it goes,” Smith told ESPNcricinfo.

“I think Rishabh Pant might force his way back in. He is such a superstar. The way he plays is like no one else in that middle order. He is aggressive, can keep wickets. So, I think Rishabh Pant,” he added when asked about the cricketer who can made his way back to the Indian team for the T20 World Cup.

Also Read: 'I'm surprised with the improvements he has made' - Sourav Ganguly opens up on Rishabh Pant's readiness for IPL 2024

Notably, Delhi will play their first game against Punjab Kings at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on March 23. Ahead of that, the Pant-led side has already reached Chandigarh and had a couple of training sessions. In one of the videos released by DC, it was seen that Pant was meeting with PBKS players and support staff and also posing for photos.