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ToggleFormer Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra stated that Rishabh Pant is unlikely to play as captain and batter for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL 2024. However, Aakash Chopra expressed admiration for Rishabh Pant’s recovery from the horrific accident in December 2022.
Rishabh Pant began rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy after his hospitalization. The wicketkeeper-batter has shown remarkable recovery and played in a practice match in Alur. Pant is anticipated to rejoin the Delhi Capitals for the forthcoming IPL edition.
Cricket Is A Very Small Part Of Life – Aakash Chopra
In a YouTube video, Aakash Chopra expressed his surprise at the possibility of Rishabh Pant participating in the IPL. Chopra described Pant’s potential comeback as remarkable, considering his past challenges and current achievements.
“There are filtered reports that Rishabh Pant will be seen playing this year in the IPL, which is absolutely phenomenal. It is miraculous, considering where he came from and where he has reached,” Chopra said.
“Cricket is a very small part of life. It’s very important but cricket is there only if there is life. The sort of accident it was, I was just happy that he was alive. I am pretty sure he would have had to work very hard during the journey from there to here because it’s difficult and extremely lonely as well,” he added.
The Delhi Capitals are yet to confirm if Pant can manage the dual roles of wicketkeeper-batter and captain in IPL 2024. However, he could feature solely as a batter, utilizing the Impact Player rule. DC remains optimistic about Pant securing clearance for the IPL 2024.
Rishabh Pant Solves Extremely Important Problem – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra noted that Rishabh Pant’s inclusion would resolve a significant issue for the Delhi Capitals. Chopra stated that Pant’s ability to bat in the middle order would benefit the team, particularly given the strong top-order lineup.
“He will bat and captain. With batting, he solves an extremely important problem for the Delhi Capitals because he can bat slightly down the order as, unfortunately, all their good players are top-order batters,” Chopra further stated.
The 26-year-old has scored 2838 runs in 98 IPL matches with an average of 34.61 and a strike rate of 147.97. However, his performance in IPL 2022 was not remarkable, as the southpaw scored 340 runs at an average of 30.91 and a strike rate of 151.79 across 14 games.
It’s A Very Good Thing – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra said that Rishabh Pant’s captaincy would benefit the Delhi Capitals. Chopra highlighted that David Warner faced scrutiny over his captaincy in the IPL last year.
“It’s a very good thing if he (Pant) captains because David Warner, as much as he is a good player, there were serious questions over his captaincy last year. Although Ricky Ponting said Warner would manage, Axar Patel might be saying that he can bat and bowl,” Chopra added.
In the previous IPL season, the Delhi Capitals, led by David Warner, finished second-last, winning only five out of 14 matches and securing 10 points. If Rishabh Pant misses any matches in the upcoming season, the veteran Australian opening batter might lead the team.
Also read: Watch: Rishabh Pant comes up with big surprise, does wicket-keeping in full throttle
