On the eve of star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant’s comeback in Delhi’s IPL 2024 opener against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Mullanpur, DC head coach Ricky Ponting delivered a favorable report.
Ponting is pleased with Pant’s progress at the pre-season camp in Vizag and feels the southpaw will be in for a memorable day on Saturday (March 23). The former Australian cricketer also joked about how difficult it is to get Pant out of the batting nets.
Ricky Ponting spoke to media before of DC’s game against PBKS and said this about Rishabh Pant:
“We had a week’s training in Vizag and trust me, Rishabh is back and ready to play. He is batting and moving behind the stumps beautifully. Sometimes he bats too much and I have to drag him out of the nets. His attitude and smile and what he wants to do for the team is infectious.”
Ricky Ponting
Ponting and Pant have a terrific relationship, and the Capitals will be hoping that it helps them produce exceptional performances and advance in the competition.
Rishabh Pant is the heartbeat of DC: Ricky Ponting
After a poor IPL 2023 campaign, Delhi finished ninth, and Ricky Ponting said that Rishabh Pant’s absence was a major setback. Pant is now ready to take over the reins after recuperating from a devastating vehicle accident for fifteen months, and Ponting feels it will raise the team’s morale.
On this, Ponting stated:
“We have got a great team this year. Our preparations have been absolutely perfect. It becomes more exciting when you have your captain back with the team. We’ve missed him last year. He is the heartbeat of the franchise and having him back into the team is going to make the team a lot stronger.”
Ricky Ponting
Rishabh Pant captained DC in the second part of the IPL 2021 season, helping them reach the playoffs. He almost missed replicating the feat in IPL 2022 after a painful loss to the Mumbai Indians left Delhi out of contention for a playoff position.