Rishabh Pant had to be’ dragged out of the nets’ by Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting. The reason is..

Legendary Australian cricketer and the current head coach of Delhi Capitals, Ricky Ponting isn’t ruling out a match winning performance from DC skipper Rishabh Pant on his return to the cricket field after 15 months. Pant, who has been sidelined since a horrific incident in December 2022, is set to lead DC once again when the Delhi-based team opens their IPL 2024 campaign against the Punjab Kings this Saturday.

Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant with head coach Ricky Ponting during a practice session(PTI)
Mullanpur is the new home ground of PBKS and the venue for the second match in the 17th season is set to be played. Ponting mentioned just before the game that Pant was so motivated to compensate for lost time that he had to occasionally drag him out of the atmosphere.

“We had a week’s training in Vizag before coming here and trust me Rishabh is back and ready to play. He is batting and moving behind the stumps beautifully. Occasionally he bats too hard and I have to pull him out of nets,” the coach said in jest.

“I know where his game is at, so don’t be shocked if something extra happens tomorrow. His attitude and smile and his desire to serve the team are infectious. The Australian stated that everyone aspires to emulate Rishabh.

The Capitals did their pre-tournament camp in Visakhapatnam as Feroz Shah Kotla was being used for WPL matches, and Ponting wanted a good start.

This is no exaggeration, we have a strong team this season. Our preparations have been absolutely perfect. Ponting stated the objective is completing the task at hand today by delivering a performance that he believes would be sufficient to secure a victory in the next game.

Ponting is ecstatic that his skipper has returned to where he should be.

It’s an extremely exciting time of the year since we’re about to commence an IPL. It becomes more exciting when your captain is back in your team. Last year, we missed him. He’s our leader. When asked about Pant returning, Ponting stated that he is the beating heart of the franchise and that having him back will strengthen the team.

Pant described Pant’s comeback as a “miraculous story that cricket loving Indians should be proud of.” Pant met Pant at the IPL last year while he was on crutches. We got together at a camp close to Kolkata where he had begun hiking and was about to start running. I encountered him in the start of the camp. Look at where he is presently situated.

Many believed he may not return but in his mind and heart he never harbored any doubts. Matter of time for him to come back,” the coach.

It is a positive sign for Ponting if Pant is feeling a little nervous heading into his first game. He will be a little nervous tomorrow because it will be his 1st game in some time, however nerves are usually helpful because it signifies something for you. The day you are not nervous is the day you shouldn’t be playing cricket anymore,” Ponting was blunt.