Team India and Delhi Capitals' wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant relived his childhood by playing Kancha with his neighbourhood kids in Delhi after very long time.
Pant has been out of action ever since he met with fatal accident on Delhi-Dehradun highway on January 1, 2023. The 24-year-old underwent operations for his injuries, especially on the knee and back. Thereafter, Rishabh Pant has undergone extensive rehabilitation and made a steady progress in order to make a comeback to competitive cricket after being on the sidelines for over a year.
While fans await for Rishabh Pant's return to cricket, the wicketkeeper-batter was involved in playing a popular street game in India with the kids who live in his neighbourhood. Pant took to his Instagram story and shared the video of him playing the marble game with his neighbourhood kids on the street and wrote, "After Ages. Quite random in my neighbour."
In a viral video, Rishabh Pant covered his face with the scarf and was seemingly enjoyed the game with the children who live in his Delhi neighbourhood.
Rishabh Pant's last appearance in competitive cricket was in a Test match against Bangladesh in Mirpur in December 2022, where India defeated the hosts by thrilling 3 wickets. Pant played an innings of 93 off 104 balls, comprising 7 fours and 5 sixes in the first innings.
Due to injuries following fatal car crash, Rishabh Pant forced to miss Asia Cup and ODI World Cup last year. He was not part of India squad for the World Test Championship Final 2023, where Rohit Sharma-led side lost to Australia.
In the absence of Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Dhruv Jurel took up wicketkeeping duties. Rahul kept behind the wickets in the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup. Dhruv Jurel has become the latest sensation after making his Test debut in the 3rd Test in the ongoing series against England.
Delhi Capitals await Rishabh Pant's clearance by NCA
Rishabh Pant is expected to make a comeback to competitive cricket through IPL 2024 as Delhi Capitals await the wicketkeeper-batter's clearance by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting confirmed that Pant is set to return to IPL 2024 but he won't taking up wicketkeeping duties straightway. The youngster will play as a captain and batter for Capitals in the upcoming IPL season.
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal said that Rishabh Pant will lead the team and will play as a pure batter for first half of IPL 2024. In the absence of Pant, David Warner led the Capitals but failed to qualify for playoffs after finishing 9th in the league stage of the IPL 2023.
Abhishek Porel and Sarfaraz Khan kept behind the wickets in Rishabh Pant's absence in the last IPL season.
Rishabh Pant can make a comeback to competitive cricket once he is cleared by NCA. Delhi Capitals' Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly said that Pant will receive clearance from NCA on March 5, just three weeks before the beginning of IPL 2024.
