IPL 2024 will see a significant effect from Rishabh Pant: Steven Smith

After being involved in a horrible vehicle accident in December 2022, Rishabh Pant had several injuries that kept him out of action for the entirety year 2023. After nearly a year of intense training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), he is about to make his playing comeback in the Delhi Capitals vs. Punjab Kings game. The famous cricket player has already said that, although he is eager to return, he is a little anxious about the 2024 Indian Premier League.

Star cricketer Steve Smith, however, made a bold prediction ahead of Pant’s first professional encounter since his return: the wicketkeeper-batter will have a significant impact on the next competition. Smith referred to Pant as a “superstar” and expressed his excitement at his comeback. Additionally, he thinks that if Pant performs well in the IPL, he will be able to push his way into the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup.

The return of Rishabh Pant excites me. He has obviously been going through a difficult period. It’s wonderful to have him back playing. He will want to leave a lasting impression. We will thus have to wait and see,” Smith said to ESPNcricinfo.

“I believe Rishabh Pant could re-enter the fray. He really is a superstar.

He is unique among players in the middle rank in the way he plays. He can keep wickets and is aggressive. When questioned about the player who could make his way back to the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup, he responded, “I think Rishabh Pant.”

Significantly, on March 23, Delhi will take on Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium at Mullanpur. The Pant-led team has already arrived in Chandigarh and completed a few training sessions ahead of schedule. Pant was seen interacting with PBKS players and support workers as well as posing for pictures in one of the films that DC posted.

𝘓𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘢𝘺𝘢, 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘢 #PBKSvDC pic.twitter.com/x3L8c9N7wU

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 22, 2024