IPL 2024: “He is a blockbuster player, does something or the other on the field”- Parthiv Patel on Rishabh Pant’s return

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Parthiv Patel has showered praise on Rishabh Pant, stating he is a blockbuster player. Pant met with a near-fatal car accident at the start of 2023 and suffered serious multiple injuries.

Since then, Pant has been on the difficult road to recovery. The wicket-keeper recently uploaded a video on his social media platform in which he is seen keeping wickets and batting in indoor nets.

Earlier, Delhi Capitals had confirmed that Pant will lead them in the upcoming season of the IPL. However, Pant might not take the glovework role for the franchise.

“Rishabh Pant is really positive. He talks more about gratitude and looks at life differently after the incident. He is doing his keeping drills, but that will take time. You know he is a blockbuster player; he does something or the other on the field, wins matches for his team. You just want to see him all the time, whether it’s him smiling or keeping and chirping from behind the stumps, he is a really good package,” said Patel while talking to JioCinema.

Meanwhile, DC co-owner Parth Jindal recently revealed that Pant will captain the side but not keep wickets in the first half of the upcoming season.

Pant has amassed 2838 runs at an average of 34.61 and a strike rate of 147.97 in 98 IPL games.

Patel added that Pant’s return will depend on mental preparation and toughness.

“He has recovered really well from the accident. All of us are waiting to see him hit those sixes, however it’s not easy, however experienced you are. Staying away from the game for such a long time, it’s not easy to come back to form straight away. His comeback depends on his mental preparation and toughness,” said Patel.

Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Punjab Kings at Mohali in a day game.