Delhi Capitals (DC) coach Ricky Ponting has outlined his plans for the return of star player Rishabh Pant in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Pant, recovering from a major car accident in December 2022, is gearing up for his comeback with the Capitals. Ponting, in an interview with Sanjana Ganesan on The ICC Review, expressed his anticipation for Pant to resume the captaincy role if he is fit for the tournament.
Addressing the decision, Ponting stated, “It’s a big decision we’ll have to make because if he is fit, you’d think he’d step straight back into that captaincy role. If he’s not entirely fit and we have to use him in a slightly different role, then we’ve got some decisions to make there.” He emphasized Pant’s diligent efforts to regain fitness and mentioned his recent participation in practice matches at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Pant’s active involvement in these sessions has been a positive sign for the Capitals. Ponting commended Pant’s commitment to fitness and the encouraging progress witnessed during the practice games. Reflecting on Pant’s absence last year, Ponting acknowledged the challenges Pant faced during the recovery process and expressed hopes for his successful return to the IPL.
The former Australian captain shared, “He was a huge loss for us last year, and what he went through, we can’t even begin to describe what he’s been through the last 12 or 14 months.” Ponting conveyed his optimism and desire, not just as the coach of Delhi Capitals but as a cricket enthusiast, to witness Pant’s return to the field.
Expressing his sentiments, Ponting said, “I’m very hopeful, not from a selfish point of view as the coach of the Delhi Capitals, but I want to see him back playing cricket again. I think the whole world wants to see him back playing cricket again and just playing with that youthful exuberance that he has.”
While emphasizing Pant’s natural talent and cricketing prowess, Ponting expressed confidence that Pant would quickly adapt upon his return. He highlighted the importance of Pant playing in his characteristic style and encouraged him to embrace his innate skills. Ponting concluded by stating that the practice games and the training camp were essential to getting Pant back into the groove and allowing him to play his natural game in the IPL season.
