NCA to clear Rishabh Pant on 5th March ahead of IPL 2024, claims DC's Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly is optimistic about Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2024 comeback for DC.

Delhi Capitals (DC) director of cricket Sourav Ganguly has hinted at a major development regarding star wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant. According to Ganguly, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) is likely to clear wicket-keeper batter Pant on March 5th, paving the way for his participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.

The Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has been on the sidelines since December 2022 after a horrific car accident. Pant underwent surgery and has been undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA.

However, the former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly clarified that the DC management will not push Rishabh Pant and will take things slowly as he is a very important part of the team.

The former Indian skipper also clarified that if Rishabh Pant isn’t fit for a few IPL 2024 matches then there are other team members who can lead Delhi Capitals in his absence.

“He has done everything to get fit and that’s the reason NCA will clear him. Let Rishabh get cleared on March 5 only then we’ll talk about captaincy backups. We are taking a cautious approach with him because he has a very long career ahead of him. We don’t want to push him in excitement,” Ganguly told The Times of India.

Ganguly also stated that Rishabh Pant will join the Delhi Capitals camp once the NCA gives him clearance. Regarding Pant’s wicket-keeping, 51-year-old Sourav Ganguly added that they have a few good options in the team.

This statement by Sourav Ganguly indicates that Rishabh Pant might not don the wicket-keeping gloves for DC in IPL 2024 and could play purely as a batter.

“We will see how Rishabh reacts. He will be joining the camp once NCA gives him the clearance. We will see match-by-match. We can’t predict. As for wicket-keeping options, there’s Kumar Kushagra. Ricky Bhui has had a very good season. There is Shai Hope and Tristan Stubbs,” he added.

Pant’s return would be a major shot in the arm for the Delhi Capitals, as he will captain the team. He is a vital cog in the batting lineup and is known for his aggressive strokeplay and fearless approach.

For the Delhi Capitals, his presence would bolster their middle order in the upcoming edition of the IPL. The Delhi Capitals will play their first match against Punjab Kings on 23rd March.

Delhi Capitals squad for IPL 2024

Rishabh Pant (c), Pravin Dubey, David Warner, Vicky Ostwal, Prithvi Shaw, Anrich Nortje, Abishek Porel, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Lungi Ngidi, Lalit Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Mitchell Marsh, Ishant Sharma, Yash Dhull, Mukesh Kumar, Harry Brook, Tristan Stubbs, Ricky Bhui, Kumar Kushagra, Rasikh Dar, Jhye Richardson, Sumit Kumar, Shai Hope, Swastik Chhikara.

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