The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday (March 12) declared Rishabh Pant fit to play in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a wicketkeeper-batter. On the very next day (March 13), the cricketer joined the Delhi Capitals camp and will be leading the team this season. Pant is making a comeback to competitive cricket for the first time since December 2022 after surviving a horrific accident on his way to home post the Bangladesh tour.
Meanwhile, the left-hander is excited as well as nervous to return to the field after a long gap and has stated that he's feeling like he is making his debut again. "I'm excited and nervous at the same time. It feels like I'm going to make my debut again," Pant said in the media release issued by the franchise. The cricketer is currently in Visakhapatnam in the DC camp where they are slated to play their two home games according to the first phase schedule that has been released.
Rishabh Pant termed his comeback as 'miracle' and is thankful to the fans, BCCI and the family to sticking by his side during the tough times. "To be able to play cricket again after everything I've been through is nothing short of a miracle. I'm grateful to all my well-wishers and fans, and most importantly, the BCCI and staff at NCA. All their love and support continue to give me immense strength," he added. Delhi Capitals are scheduled to play their first game of the season against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, a new home venue for the latter side, on March 23.
Meanwhile, DC co-owner Parth Jindal has welcomed Rishabh Pant back to the side and is looking forward to see him back in the middle within 10 days' time. "We're delighted to welcome Rishabh back to the Delhi Capitals family. The kind of grit and resilience he has displayed in overcoming challenges is inspirational, to say the least. We're humbled to have been a part of his journey to recovery, which has been exceptional. Rishabh's return is one of the most highly anticipated ones in recent times, and I can't wait to see him compete again," he further said.
