Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant is ready to participate in the first game of the Delhi Premier League (DPL). The DPL’s inaugural season will begin on August 17. A report from the Times of India on Thursday states that 26-year-old Pant, who has joined Purani Delhi 6, has confirmed he will be playing in the league’s opening match, which is planned to be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Pant will be playing for Purani Delhi 6 in a match against the South Delhi Superstarz, which is captained by Ayush Badoni.
Rishabh has decided to participate in the first game of the DPLT20 because he supports this program, which is expected to offer a fantastic opportunity for young cricketers in Delhi. He recognizes the support he received from Delhi’s cricket community during his career. However, he needs to focus on his health and fitness since there is an extended Test cricket season ahead. Ensuring he is in top condition to play for his country is his highest priority. After the initial DPL match, he plans to resume training for red-ball cricket and begin preparations for the upcoming season, which starts with the Duleep Trophy in early September. The DDCA and Purani Delhi 6 management are thankful for Rishabh’s participation and understand his other responsibilities,” a source close to Pant shared with TOI.
Pant, who was involved in a severe car crash on December 30, 2022, returned to professional cricket in the IPL 2024. He participated in all 14 games for the Delhi team and stood out with his batting performance. He was also selected for India’s T20 World Cup 2024 team and played in all eight games of the competition. India won the tournament by defeating South Africa in the final held at Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29.
Pant participated in two T20 matches and one ODI against Sri Lanka in their recent visit to the country. Following his stint in the DPL, he is set to join the India B team, led by Abhimanyu Easwaran, for the Duleep Trophy, which begins on September 5.
The left-handed batsman and wicketkeeper last played a Test match for India against Bangladesh in December 2022 and is expected to return to the Test squad for a two-match series against Bangladesh next month.
