Rishabh Pant potentially playing for the Delhi Capitals (DC) as captain and batter in the IPL 2024 is almost a miracle, according to Aakash Chopra.
Rishabh Pant has not played competitive cricket since incurring serious injuries in a terrible vehicle accident. According to reports, the swashbuckling hitter would most likely play for DC in the next Indian Premier League, although he may not be seen wearing wicketkeeping gloves.
Aakash Chopra expressed his delight at Pant’s chances of playing in the IPL in a video posted on his YouTube channel. He said:
“There are filtered reports that Rishabh Pant will be seen playing this year in the IPL, which is absolutely phenomenal. It is miraculous, considering where he came from and where he has reached.
“Cricket is a very small part of life. It’s very important but cricket is there only if there is life. The sort of accident it was, I was just happy that he was alive. I am pretty sure he would have had to work very hard during the journey from there to here because it’s difficult and extremely lonely as well.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra stated that Pant’s presence as a batter will address a major problem for the Delhi-based club. He explains:
“He will bat and captain. With batting, he solves an extremely important problem for the Delhi Capitals because he can bat slightly down the order as, unfortunately, all their good players are top-order batters.”
Aakash Chopra
Rishabh Pant has scored 2838 runs in 98 IPL games, averaging 34.61 and striking at 147.97. He did not have a terrific IPL 2022, his last appearance in the event, scoring 340 runs at an average of 30.91 and a strike rate of 151.79 in 14 games.
Aakash Chopra backs Rishabh Pant to lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024
Aakash Chopra asserts that Rishabh Pant leading as captain can benefit the Delhi Capitals. He said:
“It’s a very good thing if he (Pant) captains because David Warner, as much as he is a good player, there were serious questions over his captaincy last year. Although Ricky Ponting said Warner would manage, Axar Patel might be saying that he can bat and bowl.”
Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator said that David Warner made a few blatant blunders as captain last season.
“Mukesh Kumar would also be saying that one day Warner remembered only in the 19th over that he is a bowler as well. You don’t see such mistakes from a captain but they were happening and on a regular basis. I feel Delhi Capitals should be happy if Rishabh Pant is available for captaincy.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra does not see Pant being used as an Impact Player. While recognizing that he is unlikely to keep wickets, the reputable pundit believes he can field for 20 overs.