Delhi Capitals’ captain Rishabh Pant got a standing ovation from the crowd during the team’s opener against the Punjab Kings on Saturday. The wicket-keeping batter finally gets to bat after a long duration of 15 months due to a near-fatal car accident on December 30, 2022.
The player was on his way to celebrate New Year’s Night, however, nature had different plans. His car hit the driver and caught fire. Pant somehow managed to escape but sustained multiple injuries. He had to undergo surgeries. The rehabilitation took long and it took months just to be able to walk again.
Ahead of the IPL 2024, the Delhi officials declared him fit, not only for batting but also for wicket-keeping duties. It marks Pant’s return to cricketing action after more than a year. He also missed last year’s IPL for the same reason.
Before the player took the crease to bat, the crowd paid massive tribute to Pant, whose rehabilitation journey was certainly not a piece of cake. The crowd encouraged Pant’s efforts for not giving up, giving his 100% to be fit and getting ready for the game of cricket once again.
Here is the video:
As far as the match is concerned, Pant and co began their IPL 2024 journey with a defeat. The skipper himself contributed only 18 off 13 as Delhi set up 174/9 on the board. PBKS successfully chased it down in 19.2 overs and won by four wickets.
Also, see:
IPL 2024 complete squads for all teams with injured and withdrawn players
