The comeback man, Rishabh Pant, was in focus as Delhi Capitals (DC) began their preparation for the upcoming IPL 2024 with a pre-season camp. Pant, who joined DC’s training camp yesterday, didn’t wait too long to hit the nets as he went to the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam for the team’s first practice session. He was seen smashing balls over the ropes while batting, reminiscent of the old Rishabh Pant.
Having observed Pant closely in the practice sessions, DC’s assistant coach Pravin Amre remarked that despite not playing for 14 months, he showed no rustiness with the bat, and his bat swing was vintage.
“As a part of the coaching unit and personally, it was really pleasing to see him bat,” said Amre. “It didn’t feel like he was batting after a long time, the bat swing was vintage. We have to give credit to him, the way he has worked hard throughout the year is not easy. It shows how mentally strong and hungry he is.”
Reflecting on the team’s inaugural training session, Amre underlined the importance of cohesion and bonding among players, especially with newcomers joining the squad.
“We wanted to get together and get a feel of the wicket. There were newcomers as well, so we wanted to welcome them and enjoy the session as a team. We will also be playing practice matches so that will help us cover all bases going into the tournament. The way we have planned our sessions will help us go fresh and prepared for our first game in Mohali,” he explained.
DC’s decision to host their first few home matches in Vizag was influenced by the ground’s reputation for high-scoring encounters and consistent bounce. Amre is optimistic about the venue’s potential to provide an ideal platform for the team to showcase their talent and start the tournament on a positive note.
“Vizag has always been a high-scoring ground and that’s what we wanted. It has got that true bounce and we are just looking forward to seeing what it has to offer. The thing that matters the most is to start the tournament on a good note and it is important to provide that kind of surface where our players give their best for the team,” he observed.
With Pant’s return to competitive cricket officially sanctioned by the BCCI, excitement surrounding his comeback has reached fever pitch.
Led by Pant, DC will kick off their IPL 2024 campaign with an away fixture against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Saturday, 23rd March 2024, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Mohali.