Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just round the corner with the tournament seeing reigning champions in MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 22 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With the cash-rich league starting March 22, Delhi Capitals will begin their campaign against Punjab Kings on March 23.
With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announcing the partial schedule of IPL 2024 on Thursday, February 22, Delhi Capitals co-owner, Parth Jindal also spoke on the team, highlighting Rishabh Pant’s availability for the entire tournament. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, DC co-owner Parth Jindal on February 22 said, “Rishabh is batting. He’s running. He has started his wicketkeeping. He is likely to be fully fit for the IPL.”
Jind al also confirmed that Pant will not be keeping wickets for the Delhi’s first seven games, but assured that he will be leading the side. “I am expecting Rishabh to play IPL and he will lead from match one. First seven games we are going to play him only as a batter and depending on how his body reacts, we will take a call for the rest of the IPL,” Jindal further added.
Moreover, it is to be noted that Pant will mark his return in competitive cricket after surviving the horrific car crash in December 2022. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter, who was recently seen playing a match in Alur is expected to join DC for a preparatory camp once the BCCI medical team gives clearance.
Anrich Nortje fit to play from first game; Harry Brook to play at No. 6: Jindal
Furthermore, the Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal opined that South African pacer, Anrich Nortje, who has been out of action for a while with injuries, will join the camp in Visakhapatnam soon. “He’s fit. Right now, he is bowling at 80% intensity. Next week, he will bowl at 100%. He’s going to make his comeback in the IPL. He is going to join our camp and should be good to go for our first game,” Jindal said.
He also added that England batter Harry Brook will bat at number six for the Delhi-based franchise in the IPL 2024. The explosive batter was picked at the IPL 2024 mini-auctions for a price of INR 4 Crore in December 2023.
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