Rishabh Pant, captain of the Delhi Capitals (DC), has spoken about his rehabilitation and his desire to participate in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). The wicketkeeper-batter is among the franchise representatives who have arrived in Dubai for the mini-auction, which is set to take place on Tuesday.
It is unusual for the franchise captain to be present at the auction table. Due to foreign obligations, most participants will be unable to attend the auction in person. Rishabh Pant, on the other hand, is still healing from injuries received in a vehicle accident in late 2022 and wants to be ready for the 2024 IPL.
Aside from Rishabh Pant, DC’s brain group, which includes head coach Ricky Ponting and director of cricket Sourav Ganguly, is set to attend the auction. The former Australian captain interrupted his broadcasting responsibilities for the first Test between Australia and Pakistan to attend the IPL’s first-ever international auction.
“Much better, given what I was doing few months ago. I’m still on recovery to 100 percent but hopefully in few months time I will be able to do it,” Pant said in a video released by the Delhi Capitals on Twitter.
Rishabh Pant
The Delhi Capitals, who finished ninth in the 2023 season and are looking for a big rebuild, last qualified for the playoffs in the 2021 iteration.
“Sometimes you want to explain to people the kind of player that you want. I feel if I am able to do that, I think most of the part is clear because playing does play a part but at the same time, if you can get the player you want for the team, then that would be the best thing.”
“As of now there is no expectation (from the auction), but really excited and looking forward to it, because it is something new and I have not done it. No experience about it, but really exciting times ahead.”
Rishabh Pant
With nine places remaining in their roster, the Delhi Capitals have a purse of 28.95 crore.
“If your supporters show you love, then it means a lot, and it really helps in recovery” – Rishabh Pant
The flashy batter’s career was brought to a rest by a tragic vehicle accident. He endured many injuries and missed a number of international assignments as well as the IPL season while recovering from major operations and rehabilitation.
Pant’s exact role in the 2024 Indian Premier League is still unknown. He was capable of leading the team and playing as an impact player or a pure hitter. If he plays as a wicketkeeper-batter, that will only happen if the BCCI gives the all-clear.
“It has been really amazing, because whenever we play cricket, we feel no one loves us because there is always pressure. Actually it is a bit of hard time, but I got to know atleast people love us, they respect us and the kind of appreciation and the kind of concern I would say people have shown, I think it was heartfelt for me.”
“It means a lot as an individual when you are going through a very rough time. If your supporters show you love, then it means a lot, and it really helps in recovery.”
Rishabh Pant