• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news, IPL 2024
• 03/15/2024
• 0 Comments

The highly anticipated 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League is on the horizon, with all eyes eagerly awaiting the return of wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. After more than a year on the sidelines, Pant is poised to make his much-awaited comeback in the upcoming IPL season. Recently cleared by the medical team of the BCCI, Pant is scheduled to mark his return on March 23, when the Delhi Capitals take on the Punjab Kings. This match will mark Pant’s first competitive appearance since December 2022.

Pant’s journey back to the cricketing arena hasn’t been without challenges. In December 2022, following the Test series against Bangladesh, Pant encountered a horrific accident involving his car, which resulted in significant injuries. Rushed to the hospital for treatment, Pant underwent knee surgery and began a rigorous rehabilitation process at the NCA.

Throughout his recovery, Pant remained steadfast in his determination to regain full fitness despite missing out on major tournaments in 2023, including the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup. Despite these setbacks, Pant remained focused on his goal of returning to the field stronger than ever.

Rishabh Pant Ignored MS Dhoni As He Named This Legendary Keeper His ‘All-Time’ Idol

In a recent appearance on the Club Prairie Fire Podcast, Pant revealed his admiration for the legendary Adam Gilchrist, whom he considers one of his all-time cricketing idols. Reflecting on his childhood, Pant recalled watching Gilchrist’s remarkable performances on the field and drew inspiration from his fearless approach to batting and wicketkeeping.

“Everyone knows. See. I think he has been an inspiration for me,” Pant expressed during the podcast. “As a kid, I used to watch him a lot, and I am someone who does not like watching cricket a lot. He was someone I used to look up to him for the way he used to take on the field, batting, and wicketkeeping. I used to love everything about him. When I met for the first time in Australia, it was amazing.”

Looking ahead to his impending return to competitive cricket, Pant admitted to feeling excitement and nervousness. “Really excited but at the same time, nervous also,” he remarked. Acknowledging the inherent pressures of the game, Pant emphasized the importance of staying positive and enjoying the experience.

“Little nervous but I think that comes with the game, part and parcel of the process,” Pant confessed. “Excited because I don’t know how I’m going to be on the field. Having fun each and every day, thinking positive.” With Pant’s return imminent, cricket fans worldwide eagerly anticipate witnessing the dynamism and talent he brings back to the cricketing arena.