Rishabh Pant Shares Emotional Message Ahead of Homecoming IPL Match in Delhi

Rishabh Pant, the captain of the Delhi Capitals, is set to play his first home game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi since his near-fatal car accident in December 2022. The match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 20, 2024 will mark an emotional homecoming for the 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman.

Ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Pant shared a heartfelt message expressing his excitement and mixed feelings about returning to his home ground. "I am feeling very happy and excited to play in front of my home crowd. At the same time, I am a bit nervous as well because I am playing here after a long time," Pant said in a video released by the Delhi Capitals' social media account.

The Delhi Capitals had to play their first two home matches of the IPL 2024 season at the Vizag Stadium in Visakhapatnam to allow time for the Arun Jaitley Stadium outfield to recover from the wear and tear caused by hosting the second half of the Women's Premier League. Pant acknowledged the fans' eagerness to see him back in action, saying, "I know they have been waiting for this moment as much as I have. Their love and blessings have always been with me, and I am grateful for that."

Since making his comeback to competitive cricket after a 14-month layoff, Pant has showcased glimpses of his vintage aggressive style. He has scored 210 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 156.72 and has been impressive behind the stumps, earning him the Player of the Match award in Delhi's recent game against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.

Why this matters: Rishabh Pant's return to his home ground in Delhi for the IPL 2024 season is a significant moment not only for the player himself but also for his fans and the cricketing community at large. His comeback after a life-threatening car accident serves as an inspiration to many and highlights the resilience and determination of athletes in the face of adversity.

As the Delhi Capitals prepare to take on the formidable Sunrisers Hyderabad, all eyes will be on Pant to see if he can <a href="https://www.news

Key Takeaways

• Rishabh Pant to play first home game in Delhi since car accident in Dec 2022.
• Pant excited yet nervous to play in front of home crowd after long time.
• Delhi Capitals played first 2 home matches in Vizag due to WPL at Kotla.
• Pant has scored 210 runs in 7 matches at 156.72 strike rate since comeback.
• Pant's homecoming in Delhi seen as an inspiration after life-threatening accident.