Delhi Capitals’ head coach Ricky Ponting has enunciated his optimism about Rishabh Pant playing the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, however he’s keeping his fingers crossed.  

India’s aggressive opener Rishabh Pant, who captains Delhi Capitals at the IPL, has been on the path of recovery since suffering grave injuries during the car accident that he met in December 2022. Following the catastrophic accident, Rishabh Pant missed the action throughout the 2023, missing key tournament for team India as well. Ponting stated that Pant was exuberant to get into action. 

“Rishabh is very confident that he's going to be right to play, in what capacity we're not quite sure yet,” said Ponting while speaking to media after being named head coach of Washington Freedom. 

"You would have seen all the social-media stuff, he's up and about and running well. But in saying that we're only six weeks away from the first game as well. So we're not sure if we'll get wicketkeeping out of him this year. But I'll guarantee if I asked him now he'll say, 'I'm playing every game, 'I'm keeping every game and I'm batting at No.4'. That's just what he's like, but we'll keep our fingers crossed."

"He's such a dynamic player. He's obviously our captain. We missed him incredibly last year,” said Ponting. 

"If you understand the journey he's been on the last 12-13 months, it was a horrific incident. One that I know he feels very lucky to have even survived, let alone have the chance to play cricket again,” he sated. 

"We'll just keep our fingers crossed and hope that he can be out there and play. Even if it's not all the games, if we can manage him through 10 of the 14 games or whatever that might be then whatever games you can get out of him will be a bonus,” added Ponting.