IPL2024: “Miraculous” is how Aakash Chopra describes Rishabh Pant’s possible return to the Delhi Capitals

Aakash Chopra, a former opener for India, has praised Rishabh Pant’s possible miraculous return to the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as both a captain and a batter. Pant has not played in a professional cricket match since suffering severe injuries in a vehicle accident. However, rumors indicate that the daring batsman would play in the Indian Premier League again for Delhi Capitals, potentially without wearing wicketkeeping gloves.

After taking part in a practice match hosted by his team, the Delhi Capitals, in Alur, Karnataka, Pant is on course for a much awaited comeback to the Indian Premier League. Pant is now receiving rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy after being engaged in a fatal car accident in December 2022. He is working hard to reach match fitness before the IPL starts in the second half of March.

In 98 IPL games, Rishabh Pant has amassed 2838 runs at an average of 34.61 and a strike rate of 147.97. In his last IPL 2022 game, he scored 340 runs at an average of 30.91 and a strike rate of 151.79, however it was not a great performance.

“It is quite amazing that there are filtered rumors indicating Rishabh Pant would be participating in the IPL this year. It is astounding, taking into account his origins and current status. Life is much larger than cricket. Though it’s crucial, cricket exists only in the presence of life. Despite the unfortunate event, I was relieved he was still alive. Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel, “I’m pretty sure he would have had to work very hard during the journey from there to here because it’s difficult and extremely lonely as well.”

Though he doesn’t see Rishabh Pant being used as an impact player and admits that Pant is unlikely to maintain wickets, Aakash Chopra thinks that the Delhi Capitals would benefit from having Pant as captain.

“As excellent a player as David Warner is, there were real doubts about his leadership last year, so it’s a very positive thing if Pant takes the reins. Axar Patel may be implying that Warner can both bat and bowl, despite Ricky Ponting’s claim that Warner would manage. Mukesh Kumar would further add that Warner used to forget that he was a bowler till the 19th over. Such errors are uncommon among captains, yet they were occurring often. If Rishabh Pant is available to lead the Delhi Capitals, I think they should be thrilled,” Chopra said.