(MOREPIC1) Face2News/Chandigarh
As the JSW and GMR co-owned franchise Delhi Capitals gear up for their IPL 2024 opening match against Punjab Kings, Head Coach Ricky Ponting and Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly shared some insights on Rishabh Pant's readiness for the upcoming season.
Sharing his thoughts on Pant's approach at the pre-season camp, Ponting said, “He has probably batted more in the last week than he has ever batted leading into most of the IPLs. I think from his point of view, he wants to get a bit of trust back in his body again. He has been putting himself through a few different paces and playing all the shots that he plays. He has been great, and more importantly, he has got a smile on his face, which is what all we love to see.”
Meanwhile, Ganguly reflected, “I'm surprised with the improvements he has made. Hopefully, it's a good season for him because he has gone through a lot emotionally. It's never easy when you go through that sort of injury. It will be great to see him back not just for the Delhi Capitals, but for the Delhi Ranji team and for India as well because he is a special talent, a special player.”
The star wicketkeeper-batter was reappointed as the captain of Delhi Capitals earlier this week. Speaking about Pant's qualities as Captain, the Australian legend said, “We all love his infectious attitude and smile around the group. Although he is still young in age, he has actually played a lot of cricket. He sets an example, he has a lot of energy and that's why other people tend to follow.”
Former India captain Ganguly stated that he will keep a close watch on Pant's captaincy.
“He is not the conservative type of batter, so you expect that character in his captaincy. Nobody comes as a ready-made captain. You learn as you go and I think captaincy is by instinct. I'm looking forward to watching him during the tournament,” he concluded.
Delhi Capitals will take on Punjab Kings in their first match of IPL 2024 in Chandigarh on March 23.
