After making a stunning comeback from a horrific car accident, Delhi captain Rishabh Pant led from the front on Sunday night, announcing his return to international cricket. With the general elections coming up, the Capitals have chosen Visakhapatnam as their new home ground. Pant scored 51 runs off of 32 as Delhi defeated Chennai Super Kings by 20 runs to win their first IPL 2024 match. After seeing the “brilliant” knock, former India captain Sourav Ganguly was impressed.
In Chandigarh, Pant made his competitive comeback more than a week ago. This was his first appearance in 15 months following the car accident on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. But it was against Chennai on Sunday that he delivered the game-winning blow that supporters had been waiting for a very long time. In his 32-ball innings, the DC captain hit four boundaries and three sixes, helping the hosts score 191 for six in 20 overs.
In addition to giving Pant a standing ovation when he lifted the bat to celebrate turning fifty, Ganguly—who also serves as the Delhi franchise’s director of cricket—took to social media to leave the India player a heartfelt message.
“Excellent work, Rishabh Pant @RishabhPant17. You will always remember this innings,” he tweeted. You have performed in many outstanding ones and will perform in even more, but this tale will always be a part of you, @ParthJindal11 @bcci.
After the 20-run victory in Vizag, Pant said he always believed he could make a significant comeback despite his experiences after the accident.
“I have to give everything I have as a cricket player. It took a while at first because I hadn’t played cricket for the previous 18 months. I have lived my entire life depending on this. At the post-match award ceremony, Pant stated, “I’ve always had the self-belief that whatever happens, it’s important to come back to the ground.”
Delhi’s next matchup is against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on April 7; on April 3, they will host the Kolkata Knight Riders.
