IPL 2024: Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting anticipates star keeper-batter Rishabh Pant's full participation in all matches of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Nonetheless, the final decision regarding Pant's role as captain or wicketkeeper in IPL 2024 remains undecided. Pant, who suffered injuries from a life-threatening car accident in 2022, is presently recuperating from surgery and striving to regain his fitness.
Ricky Ponting, recently appointed as the head coach of Washington Freedom team in the Major Cricket League, expressed optimism about Rishabh Pant's potential participation with the Delhi Capitals in the 2024 season of Indian Premier League (IPL).
"Rishabh is very confident that he's going to be right to play. In what capacity we're not quite sure yet," Ponting remarked during his unveiling as the new MLC coach for Washington Freedom in Melbourne.
Ricky Ponting Acknowledges Uncertainties Surrounding Rishabh Pant’s Ability To Resume Wicketkeeping In IPL 2024
"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 Missed Rishabh Pant Incredibly Last Year, Says Ponting
"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.
"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", Ponting added.
If Pant fails to recover in time for IPL 2024, premier Australian batter David Warner would be tasked with assuming captaincy duties for the entire season, as confirmed by Ponting.