IPL 2024: After Virat Kohli, Sunil Gavaskar raises concerns over Rishabh Pant’s fitness ahead of new season

Rishabh Pant is set to make his cricketing return during the IPL 2024 season. The 26-year-old missed the whole of 2023 due to the injuries he suffered after his accident. Delhi Capitals have confirmed that Rishabh Pant will play a role in the team this season.

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has raised concerns over Rishabh Pant and his fitness. A few days ago Mr. Gavaskar cast doubt about Virat Kohli’s participation during IPL 2024.

The former India skipper has been away from the country as he has become a father for the 2^nd time. The 35-year-old pulled out of the Test series vs England to be with his wife in her time of need.

Sunil Gavaskar raises concerns on Rishabh Pant –

Former India legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar said Delhi Capitals must not rush Rishabh Pant. According to the 74-year-old, the youngster must not be given the wicketkeeping duties right away.

Speaking to Star Sports India, the former India star said, “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 tough for him and it will take some time for him to get that batting fluency. But good that he has started training.”

While talking about wicket-keeping, this is what Mr. Gavaskar said “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 can 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 the first of his coming back to full fitness. Let’s not rush him into doing something that there will be a setback.”

Just a few days ago, Sunil Gavaskar had spoken about Virat Kohli “Kya woh khelenge… kuch reason ke liye khel nahin rahe hain, shaayad ho sakta hai ki IPL ki liye bhi na khele (Will he play? He is not playing because of some reason, perhaps he may not play in IPL as well.”