On Sunday (March 31), Rishabh Pant showcased his prowess in IPL 2024 with a splendid half-century against Chennai Super Kings in Vishakhapatnam.
After a lengthy hiatus due to recovery from a severe car accident, the wicketkeeper-batsman marked his much-awaited comeback to competitive cricket earlier this month in IPL 2024. Despite initial concerns about his readiness for the tournament’s early stages, Rishabh Pant was prepared to take the field from the outset.
Rishabh Pant Received Standing Ovation From DC Dugout After His Half-Century
In the opening match against Punjab Kings, he managed to score 18 runs, followed by a dismissal for 28 in the second game against Rajasthan Royals. However, in contrast to his earlier performances, Rishabh Pant capitalized on his opportunity against CSK, achieving a half-century.
The wicketkeeper-batsman began his innings cautiously, opting to avoid risky shots early on, especially with wickets falling at regular intervals at the other end. By the end of the 17th over, he had scored 23 runs from 23 balls before stepping up his aggression.
A STANDING OVATION FOR RISHABH PANT ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6DEx076vz5
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 31, 2024
In the 18th over, he took on Mustafizur Rahman, hitting him for a six and a four before continuing his assault against Matheesha Pathirana in the 19th over. Pant struck two more fours and a six off the Sri Lankan pacer to bring up his fifty in spectacular fashion. His achievement was met with applause from the entire DC dugout, with both players and coaches, including Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly, giving him a standing ovation.
That iconic one-handed six is back 🥹#DCvCSK #JioCinemaSports #TATAIPL #IPLonJioCinema pic.twitter.com/N01gOlTLRM
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) March 31, 2024
Rishabh Pant’s innings concluded at 51 runs, achieved from 32 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and three sixes. Delhi Capitals (DC) managed to amass a total of 191 runs for the loss of five wickets within the stipulated 20 overs. Alongside Pant, David Warner also contributed a fifty to DC’s total.
Warner and Prithvi Shaw provided Delhi with a solid start, accumulating 93 runs for the first wicket partnership. Despite facing a flurry of wickets in rapid succession, Pant played a crucial role in steering the team to a competitive total by the end of the innings.
