‘He won’t be the usual Rishabh’ – Sunil Gavaskar opens on Rishabh Pant’s comeback in upcoming IPL season

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar says that wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant shouldn’t be hurried back into action after being sidelined for more than a year. Notably, the legendary cricketer said that Rishabh Pant should not be appointed captain of the Delhi Capitals anymore until he is completely recovered.

Rishabh Pant is set to make his much-anticipated comeback in the IPL in 2024. Notably, the DC star suffered many injuries in a severe car accident two years ago, and it is believed that he is nearing the end of his recovery. However, for the first part of the tournament at least, the Indian wicketkeeper is likely to be restricted to playing as a batsman under the Impact Player rule while undergoing treatment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

“Knee plays a pivotal role in batting as well as keeping — which of course he may not do initially. Maybe he won’t be the usual Rishabh Pant that we are used to seeing. He certainly has the ability to think on his feet. If he gets back to full fitness, the reins of (Delhi Capitals) captaincy should be handed over to him. Let’s stay hopeful. This season is first of him coming back to full fitness. Let’s not rush him into doing something that there will be a setback,” Sunil Gavaskar said in an interaction with Star Sport.

It will be very difficult for Rishabh Pant and it will take some time for him to get that batting fluency: Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar says that he is also a big fan of the star wicketkeeper batter. Moreover, the cricketer-turned-analyst feels that Rishabh Pant‘s health and recovery are more important than all these things to mark his comeback in international cricket.

“I’m also a big fan of him. For me the most important thing, is he should be healthy like before, so that he can come and entertain us. It will be very difficult for him and it will take some time for him to get that batting fluency. But good that he has started training,” he added further.