Rishabh Pant is optimistic of playing the full IPL, but the flashy cricketer may only be available as a batter rather than behind the stumps, according to Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting.
Pant was engaged in a life-threatening vehicle accident in December 2022, which required him to undergo ligament reconstruction surgery.
“Rishabh is very confident that he’s going to be right to play. In what capacity we’re not quite sure yet,” Ponting was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
“You would have seen all the social-media stuff, he’s up and about and running well. But in saying that we’re only six weeks away from the first game as well. So we’re not sure if we’ll get wicketkeeping out of him this year.”
“We’ll just keep our fingers crossed and hope that he can be out there and play. Even if it’s not all the games, if we can manage him through 10 of the 14 games or whatever that might be then whatever games you can get out of him will be a bonus.”
In the event that Pant is unable to satisfy his wicketkeeping duties, the 26-year-old might play as a pure batter or as an Impact Player in the 2018 IPL, which is set to begin in March.
“But I’ll guarantee if I asked him now he’ll say, ‘I’m playing every game, I’m keeping every game and I’m batting at No.4.’ That’s just what he’s like, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed.
“He’s such a dynamic player. He’s obviously our captain. We missed him incredibly last year. If you understand the journey he’s been on the last 12-13 months, it was a horrific incident. One that I know he feels very lucky to have even survived, let alone have the chance to play cricket again.”
David Warner captained the Capitals last season, and Ponting said that if Pant is unavailable, the ace Australian hitter will take over as captain.
Last year’s auction saw the franchise pay Rs 4 crore for promising England hitter Harry Brook. While Ponting is pleased with his group, the two-time World Cup winner admits the team has underperformed in the last two seasons.
