'Feeling much better...': Rishabh Pant aims for full recovery, hopes for a comeback in IPL 2024

NEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant, who miraculously escaped a horrifying car accident last year, is on the road to recovery and optimistic about making a comeback to competitive cricket during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
In a video posted by the Delhi Capitals on their Instagram page, Pant expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love and support he received from fans, which played a significant role in his quicker-than-expected recovery.
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"I think (I am feeling) much better than I was doing few months ago. So like, (I am) still on recovery towards 100 per cent (fitness). But hopefully in a few months time, I'll be able to do it," Pant shared optimistically.
The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, who missed the entire 2023 season after undergoing surgery following the car accident, is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. He is expected to lead the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2024, set to commence on March 22.

Reflecting on the support he received, Pant expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the fans. "I got to know at least people love us. They respect us and the kind of appreciation and the kind of concern I would say people have shown over a period of time because of my injury. I think it was heartfelt, like crazy for me because it means a lot as an individual."
Acknowledging the impact of mental well-being during recovery, Pant highlighted the importance of fan support. "When you are going through a very rough time or something like that happens to you, it's not only physical, it's like mentally also. If your supporters and the people support you or show you love, it means a lot, and it really helps in recovering."

During Pant's absence in the previous IPL season, Australian opener David Warner led the Delhi Capitals, with the team finishing second from last. Pant expressed gratitude to the fans and pledged to reciprocate the love and support in the upcoming season.
"Thank you for always being supportive all the time. Yes, I know sometimes we have given you a hard time as fans. But see, we try to do our best all the time, and hopefully, next year in time to come, we will show the kind of respect or love you have shown over a period of time. Hopefully, we can reciprocate it over a period of time, and just keep supporting us," Pant concluded.
(With inputs from PTI)