On Tuesday, Rishabh Pant was formally named the captain of the Delhi Capitals for the 2024 Indian Premier League season. Due to serious injuries sustained in a tragic car accident in December 2022, Pant was unable to play in the last season of Indian Premier League. In Pant’s absence, Australia’s David Warner assumed leadership of DC. But it was inevitable that the team will revert to Pant as captain since he is prepared to rejoin the cricket team following nearly 15 months of arduous training, tenacity, bravery, and resolve.
“I’m excited to watch him lead our team to victory once more as we eagerly anticipate a new season filled with increased fervor, energy, and enthusiasm,” DC chairman and co-owner Parth Jindal stated in a press release.
“Rishabh has put in a great deal of work throughout one of the most difficult times of his life. That will undoubtedly serve as a great source of inspiration for his colleagues as they start a fresh campaign. We wish Captain Rishabh and the team all the best,” said Team co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi.
Ahead of their opening IPL 2024 game against Punjab Kings in Chandigarh on March 23, the left-hander has been a part of the Capitals preseason training camp in Visakhapatnam. The IPL kicks off on March 22.
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Life-threatening Accident
Pant’s Mercedes SUV caught fire and overturned in a mishap that happened in December 2022, north of New Delhi. He sustained numerous injuries in the accident. He was flown to Mumbai for additional care and surgery after being brought right away to a hospital. Pant suffered from a strained right knee ligament, injuries to his wrist and ankle, and abrasions on his back. To heal, he participated in a rigorous rehabilitation program at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Pant expressed his disappointment at missing the ODI World Cup the previous year as well as his excitement to come back to the game.
“It was really upsetting. We talked about giving the World Cup a go with the NCA team. We all gave it our all, but my knee was not strong enough,” he said. Pant said that the cricket board chose not to press for his return, even though he had wanted to be fit for India’s most recent Test series against England.
Grit and determination
“We gave our 100% in doing the rehab part for him because of his mental strength and confidence,” Physiotherapist Thulasi Yuvraj of the National Cricket Academy told ‘bcci.tv’.
Strength and conditioning coach at NCA Nishanta Bordoloi said that Pant’s early interest in gymnastics helped him during his recuperation.
“One thing was that Rishabh has a background for gymnastic which was a very very big asset for us because there are a few things that come naturally to him,” Bordoloi stated. “He had the ability to fall or roll back to his feet whenever he felt immobile. It gave him a significant advantage over others,” he added.
