Rishabh Pant, the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) captain, was at his vintage best for the first time after returning from injury in the IPL 2024 match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 31.
After being sidelined by a horrible vehicle accident in December 2022, the 26-year-old returned to competitive cricket in the IPL 2024. Despite displaying hints of form, Rishabh Pant failed to pick up the pace in DC’s first two games, scoring 18(13) and 28(26).
The team was defeated in two matches versus Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. This left them struggling early in the competition. To rectify issues, DC performed excellently against CSK. They won the toss, elected to bat first.
Openers David Warner and Prithvi Shaw lit the stage on fire with a 93-run partnership off 57 deliveries. With the perfect foundation, Rishabh Pant stepped in at No.3 and hit a dazzling 51 off 32 balls to push DC to a huge 191/5 in 20 overs.
Fans waited eagerly for the wicket-keeper batter’s return. The comeback of one of India’s best match-winners sparked much anticipation during this IPL season. Rishabh Pant delighted fans, showcasing incredible strokeplay. His top form elicited celebrations on Twitter, as spectators reveled in witnessing his batting prowess once more.
Here’s some of the better reactions:
CSK in trouble chasing the mammoth DC total
One of the biggest surprises in IPL 2024 seemed to be on the horizon, with the unbeaten CSK unable to get started in their run chase against the hapless DC.
Chasing 192 following a poor bowling performance, CSK lost skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for one run in the first over. Khaleel Ahmed, an outstanding left-arm bowler, then took his second wicket by dismissing the other opener, Rachin Ravindra, for a woeful 2(12), leaving CSK in chaos at 7/2 in the third over.
Though DC has struggled, CSK’s five-time and defending champions are on fire to begin IPL 2024. They won both games with ease. First, a six-wicket victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Then they steamrolled Gujarat Titans (GT) by 63 runs, the Men in Yellow rolling on.
Despite the early difficulties, CSK is on track to rebound at 58/2 in 9 overs, with Ajinkya Rahane (26 off 20) and Daryll Mitchell (24 off 20) at the crease.