IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant , Hardik Pandya Start Match Simulation Exercise

BENGALURU: Rishabh Pant is on a determined journey back to competitive cricket after a daunting car accident in December 2022.

Currently targeting a return for IPL 2024, Pant recently engaged in a series of match-simulation exercises alongside Hardik Pandya at the KSCA facility in Alur, Karnataka.

Under the guidance of National Cricket Academy physios and trainers, Pant’s progress is closely monitored as he undergoes rigorous conditioning and practice sessions, scheduled to continue until early March.

During the recent practice match, Pant showcased his resilience, batting through the entirety of the 20 overs without discomfort.

While he abstained from wicketkeeping duties, plans are in place to reintegrate this aspect of his training come March.

Should he regain full fitness in time, Pant is expected to feature prominently as a specialist batter for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL.

Delhi Capitals’ head coach, Ricky Ponting, remains optimistic about Pant’s prospects, emphasizing the importance of managing his workload throughout the tournament.

“Rishabh is very confident about playing. He’d probably say, ‘I’m playing every game, keeping every game, and batting at No.4,’ if you asked him now. But we’ll keep our fingers crossed,” Ponting said.

Pant’s journey to recovery began after the accident last December, prompting surgery and subsequent rehabilitation under the care of specialists at the NCA in Bengaluru.

Despite the challenges, Pant remains steadfast in his commitment to return to the field, diligently following his recovery regimen with unwavering determination.