NEW DELHI: In a boost to the inaugural Delhi Premier League T20, India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has confirmed his participation in the opening match of the season on Aug 17.
Pant will be turning out Purani Delhi 6 against South Delhi Superstarz, led by Ayush Badoni, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday evening.
Purani Delhi 6 will have another stalwart in Ishant Sharma on the park with Pant.Pant’s participation was always subject to his availability given there is a hectic international calendar to follow.
“Rishabh has agreed to play the first match of the DPLT20 as he wanted to be a part of this initiative that is likely to provide a great platform for youngsters in Delhi. He acknowledges the role played by Delhi cricket in his career. However, it’s important for him to take care of himself given there is a long Test season coming. Being in prime shape to represent the country is his utmost priority. He will get back to red-ball training after the first match of DPL and start preparing for the long-format season starting with Duleep Trophy in the first week of Sept. DDCA and the Purani Delhi 6 management appreciates Rishabh’s gesture and also respects his commitments,” a source close to Pant told TOI.
It is learnt that Pant wants as much game time as possible after having lost 15 months of cricket following a car accident in Dec 2022.
He was keen on playing a couple of more matches but he had his preparation for the international season chalked out. The team looking after him didn’t think it would be wise for him to delay his red-ball prep since he hasn’t played the format for 20 months.
Pant will be turning out Purani Delhi 6 against South Delhi Superstarz, led by Ayush Badoni, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday evening.
Purani Delhi 6 will have another stalwart in Ishant Sharma on the park with Pant.Pant’s participation was always subject to his availability given there is a hectic international calendar to follow.
“Rishabh has agreed to play the first match of the DPLT20 as he wanted to be a part of this initiative that is likely to provide a great platform for youngsters in Delhi. He acknowledges the role played by Delhi cricket in his career. However, it’s important for him to take care of himself given there is a long Test season coming. Being in prime shape to represent the country is his utmost priority. He will get back to red-ball training after the first match of DPL and start preparing for the long-format season starting with Duleep Trophy in the first week of Sept. DDCA and the Purani Delhi 6 management appreciates Rishabh’s gesture and also respects his commitments,” a source close to Pant told TOI.
It is learnt that Pant wants as much game time as possible after having lost 15 months of cricket following a car accident in Dec 2022.
He was keen on playing a couple of more matches but he had his preparation for the international season chalked out. The team looking after him didn’t think it would be wise for him to delay his red-ball prep since he hasn’t played the format for 20 months.