"It's A Big Decision We'll Have To Make": Ricky Ponting's Big Update On Rishabh Pant

Delhi Capitals (DC) coach Ricky Ponting has revealed how he plans to use returning star Rishabh Pant during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Pant is attempting to return from a major car accident in December 2022 and make his comeback to professional cricket for the Capitals later this month. The wicket-keeper/batter has already stepped up his recovery by appearing in a series of match practice sessions alongside India teammate Hardik Pandya at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Speaking to Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of The ICC Review, Ponting said he is expecting Pant to captain the side from the start of the tournament should his fitness allow.

"It's a big decision we'll have to make because if he is fit, you'd think he'd step straight back into that captaincy role. If he's not entirely fit and we have to use him in a slightly different role, then we've got some decisions to make there," Ponting said as quoted by ICC's official website.

Ponting said Pant had done a mountain of work to try and return to the cricketing scene and the recent hitouts at the NCA should keep him in good stead for Delhi's opening match of the IPL against the Punjab Kings in Mohali on March 23.

"He's actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us. I know he's worked incredibly hard on his body and his fitness to get back to the level that he's at now. He's kept in one of those games, he's fielded in these games and the batting hasn't seemingly been an issue for him so far, the former Australia batter asserted.

"We've obviously had worries and concerns that he might not have made it in time to be ready for the IPL this year. I mean, he was a huge loss for