IPL 2024: AB de Villiers backs ‘Son of Delhi’ Rishabh Pant to excel on comeback

The wicketkeeper-batter missed out on cricketing action for 14 months, following a horrific car accident in December 2022, and was declared fit for IPL 2024 by the BCCI.

The excitement amongst cricket enthusiasts regarding Pant’s return is at an ever-high. This was further by Delhi Capitals management when they declared that the 26-year-old will resume his role as captain in the side in the upcoming season.

AB de Villiers is one of the many cricket greats who have shared their excitement about Pant’s return, which he reiterated in his recent YouTube video. “The son of Delhi will be watched by thousands around India and around the globe again and by me…It’s great to have him back,” De Villiers said.

De Villiers went on to explain his special connection to Pant, for his appreciation of the batter and the similarity in their jersey numbers. The excitement of the former South Africa wicketkeeper-batter saw him express his hopes for a top performance by Pant in his IPL return with DC.

“He’s got number 17 on his back; I used to have 17 on my back. There’s a bit of chemistry, and I absolutely love watching this guy play. He scored an IPL hundred, maybe this will be the season for number two, three, maybe even four.” De Villiers added.

During the 2023 IPL season, the Delhi Capitals were led by Australian opener David Warner. However, their performance was lacklustre, finishing second to last in the points table after winning 5 out of 14 matches.

With the BCCI medical team clearing Rishabh Pant to play as a wicketkeeper-batter in IPL 2024 on March 12, fans are hopeful that DC will see better days ahead this season.

Pant-led Delhi Capitals will face their first challenge in IPL 2024 against the Punjab Kings in their opening clash of the tournament on March 23 in Mohali.