Former Indian captain, Sourav Ganguly, who will serve as the Director of Cricket of Delhi Capitals (DC), has confirmed that wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will not take part in the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 25-year-old is still recovering from a horrific car accident that left him with some gruesome injuries all over his body.
Soon after the accident, Rishabh Pant was taken to a local hospital for first aid before being shifted to Max Hospital in Dehradun. Recently, the cricketer was airlifted to Kokilaben Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, where he underwent knee surgery.
As per the latest reports, Rishabh Pant will be out of action for at least six months. Talking about the same, Ganguly said that Rishabh’s absence will bother the team but still they will have a great season in the upcoming edition.
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Recently, during a conversation with Sports Today, Sourav Ganguly said, ‘Rishabh Pant will not be available for IPL. I am in association with Delhi Capitals. It will be a great IPL (for the team), we will do well but Rishabh Pant’s injury will affect Delhi Capitals.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stepped in and taken full responsibility for Rishabh Pant’s medical needs. As per reports, the governing body will also take care of Pant’s business interests. The Roger Binny-led organization will pay Rs 16 crore (Pant’s IPL salary) even though the cricketer will not be able to play in the tournament.
Not just his IPL salary, the board will also pay the entire central contract payment of Rs 5 crore. The medical team of the board is currently monitoring Rishabh Pant’s health and it is being told that he is in constant touch with the doctors.
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Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals are looking to find a new captain for the upcoming season. As per reports, they may turn to Australian opener David Warner for the role as the veteran has prior experience of leading a side in the cash-rich league.
