PBKS vs DC: Rishabh Pant, A greatest comeback to watch-out for!

After the southern derby that kicked off IPL 2024 last night, action continues with neighbors to the north, Delhi Punjab, who open their season against Delhi Capitals. Two teams are looking to shake off the losing streak this year. DC and PBKS are among the original eight that started the Indian Premier League back in 2008, but have nothing to show for it apart from three combined finals.

Their trophy cabinet, like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is empty after 16 years. seasons , and let’s face it, fans are starting to lose patience too. However, the start of a new season brings many hopes, promises and beliefs that this year’s drought will end, and both PBKS and DC will certainly follow the same mindset.

It is a PBKS home game, but in a new location. The PCA Stadium is now a thing of the past along with the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

IPL has a new home and PBKS base from Mohal to Chandigarh. With a capacity of over 40,000, the venue is bigger and hopefully better for the fortunes of PBKS. The team will once again be led by Shikhar Dhawan, the second highest run-getter in IPL history. Dhawan’s T20 days with India may be behind him, but whenever the IPL rolls around, he makes sure he catches the eyes of the selectors.

Recently appointed captain Jitesh Sharma is another star attraction for them. Like Harshal Patel, India’s most expensive purchase in the 2024 auction. And of course, the presence of Jonny Bairstow at the top is a consolation for any team. Add to that the English mix of Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone and on paper Punjab’s batting looks even more threatening than RCB’s.

On the other hand, exploiting it on the field is what makes and breaks tournaments. Rishabh Pant is the one grabbing everyone’s attention for the opposition Delhi Capitals. Delhi Capitals are all set to play their first game. . Indian Premier League vs Punjab Kings at Mullanpur Stadium on Saturday 23rd March.

Rishabh Pant will be in the limelight when both the teams take the field in Chandigarh and start their new season. Pant, who has not played competitive cricket since an accident in December 2022, hopes to find a career early in the game.

Pant’s in-game performance promises to answer many questions. How fit is he? How does the body cope? Will he keep the goal? Is he still the brute force in hitting that he used to be? All questions will be answered today. Pant seems to be in good shape and although he hit the ground running with intensive rehabilitation and training before his return game, the experience of match practice is something else.

And in a new venue with temperatures in the early 30s, Pant and his body are sure to be pushed. India’s star cricketer is out of the Indian squad for the 2022 Test series against Bangladesh. Before the New Year, Pant was seriously injured in a road accident while driving back to his home in Roorkee.

The wicketkeeper-batsman had to undergo several surgeries to repair the injuries. After his injuries healed, Pant remained at the National Cricket Academy and underwent intensive rehabilitation to return to the national team. The batsman had planned to return for India’s home series against England, but it was not to be.

Apart from Pant, certain names are attracting interest, starting with Prithvi Shaw. After struggling for form and form, this could be his last chance to redeem himself. DC coach Ricky Ponting has revealed his vulnerability to incoming deliveries, but now is his time for the Australian big to find a permanent solution if DC are to find a solution to their opening woes.

Shaw’s partner David Warner recently announced his retirement from Test and ODI playing. He can still face his most experienced player in T20Is and DC to rise to the occasion and give them the kind of start that will set the tone for the whole season.