Rishabh Pant's Spectacular Return To Cricket Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2024

Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting expressed optimism about Rishabh Pant's performance at the T20 World Cup 2024, describing the wicketkeeper-batter's return after a major car accident as "nothing short of spectacular."

The left-hander, who was absent last year, amassed 446 runs at an average of 40.54 and a strike-rate of 155.40 in IPL 2024. He also achieved a joint-high 16 dismissals with the gloves.

Many anticipated a lengthy recovery period for Pant. Despite being out of action for over a year, the wicketkeeper made a strong return to professional cricket.

Former Australian captain Ponting admitted he feared Pant might never play again, recalling their meeting nearly a year ago during IPL 2023.

"It's been nothing short of spectacular, to be honest. I spent a few months with him in the middle of the IPL last year, which was only sort of three or four months after his accident," Ponting told The ICC Review.

"And I had grave fears then that he would never play the game again. What he'd been through psychologically, but what he'd been through physically. At that stage, he still couldn't walk."

Ponting also discussed their conversation about plans for the 2024 season and credited the franchise's physio Patrick Farhart for aiding Pant's recovery.

"He was on crutches. And I remember saying to him, what do you think about next season? He just looked at me and said, don't worry, I'll be right. And he's looked after himself incredibly well," Ponting added.

"The Delhi Capitals franchise has done a great job looking after him. Patrick Farhart has been his physio. He's done a great job with him as well."

While Pant's batting prowess was never in doubt, there were concerns about his wicketkeeping due to the physical demands of squatting for extended periods.

"No one had real concerns about his batting, because of how good he is and how dynamic he is with the bat. But with his wicket-keeping, and having to squat every ball for 14 games in a row, there were certainly some concerns there," Ponting added.

World Cup Selection

Pant's impressive performance with both bat and gloves earned him a spot in India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad, as predicted by Ponting.

"I was asked when I was over there what I thought about him. He'd been picked in the Indian squad, and I basically said he'd be one of the first players picked, and sure enough he was," Ponting said.

"So, great to see him back out there playing again. I've enjoyed every moment of working with him. Obviously, he's been the captain of the Delhi Capitals, and I've been the coach there. But it's been a remarkable comeback, and hopefully he has a huge impact on this World Cup," Ponting concluded.