Indian wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant is all set to feature in the opening match of the Delhi Premier League T20. According to reports in the Times of India, it is learnt that the Delhi Capitals captain has confirmed his availability for the first game.
Rishabh Pant will represent the Purani Delhi 6 team and will play against South Delhi Superstarz, which will be captained by Lucknow Super Giants batsman Ayush Badoni. The match between the two teams, which will also be the opening match of the tournament, will be held on August 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Pant will be joined by his Indian and Delhi Capitals teammate Ishant Sharma. The lanky pacer will also represent the Purani Delhi 6 team in the tournament. With two big names taking part, it will be a big boost for the tournament.
A source close to Pant claimed that the wicketkeeper-batsman has agreed to play the first match as the tournament will be a great platform for Delhi’s youngsters. He said that the left-hander will play one match as he needs to maintain his form with the long Test season coming up. Speaking to the Times of India, he claimed:
“Rishabh has agreed to play the first match of DPLT20 as he wanted to be a part of this initiative which is likely to provide a great platform for youngsters in Delhi. He recognises the role Delhi cricket has played in his career. However, he needs to take care of himself as there is a long Test season ahead.”
The source also revealed that after playing the first match, Rishabh Pant will train for red-ball cricket. He said that the governing body and the team respected the wicketkeeper-batsman’s decision to play only one match in the tournament. He explained:
“Being fully fit to represent the country is his top priority. He will resume red-ball training after the first DPL match and start preparing for the long-format season, starting with the Duleep Trophy in the first week of September. The DDCA and the Purani Delhi 6 management appreciate Rishabh’s gesture and also respect his commitments.”
Rishabh Pant to play for India B in Duleep Trophy
Rishabh Pant is all set to feature in the Duleep Trophy 2024. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been named in India’s B squad for the Duleep Trophy and will play under the leadership of Abhimanyu Easwaran. The tournament will also mark his return to Test cricket after a long stint.
The left-hander last played a red-ball match in December 2022, when he represented India against Bangladesh. However, after that, he suffered a horrific accident and missed action for over a year. He is also likely to return to the Test team during a two-match Test series against Bangladesh next month.
Rishabh Pant also recently returned to white-ball cricket for India. The batsman was named in the Indian squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup and played a pivotal role in the team’s victory in the tournament. Following that, he also featured in the T20I and ODI series against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team.
