Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is all set to play in the opening match of the Delhi Premier League (DPL). The first edition of the DPL is set to start on August 17. According to a report in the Times of India on Thursday, 26-year-old Pant, who was signed by Purani Delhi 6, has confirmed his participation in the tournament’s opener, scheduled to take place at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
He will play for Purani Delhi 6 against the South Delhi Superstarz led by Ayush Badoni.
“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 that 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 the DPL and start preparing for the long-format season, starting with the Duleep Trophy in the first week of September. DDCA and the Purani Delhi 6 management appreciate Rishabh’s gesture and also respect his commitments,” a source close to Pant told TOI.
Pant, who suffered a life-threatening road accident on December 30, 2022, made his comeback to competitive cricket during IPL 2024. He played in all 14 matches for the Delhi-based franchise and impressed with his batting show. He was also included in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad and played in all eight matches of the tournament, which India won by getting the better of South Africa in the final played at Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29.
Pant also played two T20Is and one ODI against Sri Lanka during the recently concluded tour of the island nation. After playing in the DPL, he will play for the Abhimanyu Easwaran-led India B team in the Duleep Trophy, which starts on September 5.
The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter last played a red-ball match for India against Bangladesh in December 2022 and is likely to make a comeback to the Test team during a two-match Test series against Bangladesh next month.
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