ndian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will attend his team Delhi Capitals' first home match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 against Gujarat Titans, despite his injuries. The confirmation was given by Shyam Sharma, Director of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), who also revealed that special arrangements have been made for Pant's smooth entry and movement within the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The DDCA President himself is monitoring the security arrangements for Pant, who has been out of cricketing action since December 2022, after miraculously surviving a car accident. Pant's attendance at the stadium will also provide him with motivation and aid in his mental recovery, according to Sharma. The match will be Pant's first appearance at a cricket stadium since his accident.
In his absence, David Warner has been named the skipper of Delhi Capitals, with Axar Patel as the vice-captain. Abhishek Porel has been drafted as Pant's replacement for IPL 2023. During their IPL 2023 opening game against Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi had kept Pant's jersey on top of their dugout as a tribute to their injured regular captain. Pant's last appearance was in India's second Test against Bangladesh in December 2022, where he hit a match-winning 93 in the first innings.
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India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who has been out of cricketing action due to injuries, is set to make his first appearance at a cricket stadium since his horrific car accident in December 2022. The Delhi Capitals' first home match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 against the Gujarat Titans on Tuesday will witness Pant's attendance, as confirmed by Shyam Sharma, Director of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).
Sharma stated that special arrangements have been made to ensure Pant's smooth and hassle-free viewing experience at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He mentioned that if required, a golf cart would be provided to ensure that Pant reaches his desired location within the stadium without any difficulty. The DDCA Director further added that security arrangements have been doubled to ensure that Pant is not disturbed unnecessarily by anyone.
The news of Pant's attendance at the stadium has created a buzz among cricket fans and the media. His presence in the stadium is likely to motivate and inspire his team members and fans alike. Sharma also explained how Pant's presence at the stadium would aid in his recovery, especially from a mental aspect. He said that being involved with his team and watching the match will help Pant recover faster mentally, which will be very beneficial for him.
The 25-year-old player has been out of action since December 2022 after he met with a car accident while traveling from New Delhi to his hometown Roorkee in Uttarakhand. Pant has been recovering from his injuries and has been receiving treatment to return to the field soon. Sharma's announcement about Pant's attendance at the stadium for the IPL 2023 match has been welcomed by fans and has boosted their morale.
In Pant's absence, David Warner, the left-handed opener, has been named as the skipper of Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023. The franchise has drafted Abhishek Porel, a left-handed wicketkeeper-batter, as Pant's replacement for the tournament. Delhi had paid tribute to their injured regular captain by keeping Pant's jersey on top of their dugout during their IPL 2023 opening game against Lucknow Super Giants.
Overall, Pant's attendance at the stadium has not only generated excitement among fans but also instilled hope that he will soon return to the field and continue to contribute to Indian cricket.