Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar believes Rishabh Pant might struggle to get back into his rhythm early in the IPL. However, Gavaskar believes as Pant gradually increases his batting during match scenarios, Pant will gradually find his groove.
Following a demanding 14-month rehabilitation program, Pant, who survived a terrifying vehicle accident in December 2022, will make his competitive cricket comeback as the captain of the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024.
“It’ll be very difficult. But the good thing is he (Pant) has played some cricket. So he has got some practice. To get fluency in batting is a little tough,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.
Expanding on his point of view, Gavaskar said that Rishabh Pant’s initial difficulty in regaining his smooth form in the IPL might be related to his prolonged absence from competitive cricket.
“When you talk of a knee injury, the pivoting that takes place. Wicket-keeping is difficult as well, but even in batting, the knee is quite important. So, maybe, in the beginning, we won’t see the real Rishabh Pant that we are used to,” Gavaskar said.
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Gavaskar admitted that Pant’s presence and his exuberant nature greatly add to the IPL’s entertainment value.
“To find a wicket-keeper like him who comments from behind the stumps, that’s full-on entertainment because there are a lot of wicket-keepers who would like to disturb your concentration by saying different things,” Gavaskar added.