Gavaskar expecting a different comeback for Pant in IPL 2024
Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar shares his thought as star batter Rishabh Pant prepares for a comeback in IPL 2024 after a car accident sidelined him for the 2023 season.
Published Feb 28, 2024, 2:56 pm IST
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Rishabh Pant faced a series of injuries after a serious car accident in December 2022, forcing him out of action for the entire 2023 season. Now, he’s gearing up for a comeback in IPL 2024, where he’s expected to feature prominently for the Delhi Capitals, possibly even leading the team.
Sunil Gavaskar shared his thought in Rishabh Pant’s comeback
Before his return, former Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar shared his thoughts, expressing his admiration for Pant and hoping for his full recovery.
Sunil Gavaskar said in an interview, “I’m also a big fan of him. For me, the most important thing is he should be healthy like before, so that he can come and entertain us. It will be very difficult for him and it will take some time for him to get that batting fluency. But good that he has started training.”
“Knee plays a pivotal role in batting as well as keeping – which of course he may not do initially. Maybe he won’t be the usual Rishabh Pant that we are used to seeing. He certainly has the ability to think on his feet. If he gets back to full fitness, the reins of (Delhi Capitals) captaincy should be handed over to him. Let’s stay hopeful. This season is first of him coming back to full fitness. Let’s not rush him into doing something that there will be a setback.”
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Pant’s recovery journey
Gavaskar stressed the importance of giving Pant enough time to regain his fitness properly, cautioning against rushing him back into action. He also noted that Pant’s style of play might be affected by his knee injury, suggesting he might not be as explosive as before.
Pant is said to be in the final phase of his recovery, undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), while the Delhi Capitals closely monitor his progress. If Pant isn’t fully fit by the start of the IPL on March 22, there’s a possibility he might be utilized as an Impact player, sparingly used until he’s completely ready to take on a full workload.
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