IPL 2024: "Rishabh is very confident that he's going to be right to play," - Ricky Ponting

Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting said that Rishabh Pant is ready for IPL 2024. Ponting said that Pant himself said that he will play for the team, his wicketkeeping and captaincy is not confirmed, but he will definitely bat.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant to play and lead Delhi Capitals

Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has not played cricket since December 2022. On December 30, 2022, while going from Delhi to Roorkee, Pant's car met with an accident, in which he was badly injured. After this, he remained away from the field due to treatment and recovery.

If I asked him now he'll say, 'I'm playing every game,' - Ponting

Ricky Ponting is currently in Melbourne. He has been made the head coach of Washington Freedom team in America's Major League (MLC). During this conversation with the media, questions were raised on IPL 2024 and Pant. Ponting said that it is not right to expect Pant to play the entire tournament, but however much he plays, it will be a bonus for the team.

"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." Ponting said.

Delhi Capitals had won only 5 out of 14 matches in Pant's absence

"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." Ponting said.

"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."

Ponting confirmed that if Pant could not captain, then David Warner would take command of the team in IPL 2024. Warner captained Delhi Capitals last season, but the team finished 9th with just 5 wins in 14 matches.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant trains hard ahead of IPL 2024 comeback

Pant last played match against Bangladesh

Rishabh Pant played his last cricket match at Mirpur ground against Bangladesh in December 2022. This was a Test match. Five days after this match, on December 30, Pant was injured in a car accident. Since then he has been recovering and is likely to be fully fit by March 2024.