Cleared by the BCCI’s medical team to take part in the forthcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rishabh Pant feels like he is making his debut all over again as he gears up for a comeback to competitive cricket after 14 months.

The wicketkeeper-batter was on Tuesday given the green signal by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after undergoing an extensive rehabilitation process following a near fatal car crash in December 2022. Pant had last played senior cricket in December 2022 before suffering a near fatal car crash that left him with a severe right knee injury and required a ligament reconstruction surgery, besides a fractured wrist and ankle.

“I’m excited and nervous at the same time. It feels like I’m going to make my debut again. To be able to play cricket again after everything I’ve been through is nothing short of a miracle,” Pant said.

“I’m grateful to all my well-wishers and fans, and most importantly, the BCCI and staff at NCA. All their love and support continue to give me immense strength,” he added.

The stumper is currently part of his IPL franchise, Delhi Capitals’ pre-season training camp in Visakhapatnam, where they will also play two home games during the first two weeks of the IPL. The southpaw is likely to return to action as early as March 23, when Delhi Capitals travel to Mohali to take on Punjab Kings in their opening fixture of IPL 2024.

In February, Pant took the field for the first time after the crash, and batted in a 20-over practice game in Alur, Karnataka, under the supervision of NCA physios and trainers. The NCA people were satisfied with his endurance level while batting but advised him to start wicketkeeping in March. With the NCA giving him a full fitness clearance, Pant could now be back in his role of leading the Delhi franchise for the entire tournament.

However, during the IPL auction in December, Delhi Capitals had roped in Jharkhand stumper Kumar Kushagra for a whopping Rs 7.2 crore, besides retaining Abishek Porel, who was signed as Pant’s replacement last season. It would be interesting to see if Delhi plans to utilize Pant as an Impact Player this season and let one of the two other keeping options for the job behind the stumps.

“I’m excited to return to Delhi Capitals and the IPL – a tournament I enjoy so much. Our team owners and support staff have been by my side throughout with their full support, guidance and co-operation at every step, for which I am deeply grateful. I can’t wait to reunite with my DC family and play in front of the fans again,” he said.

On Monday, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said that Pant was “batting well and keeping well”, and depending on his performance in the IPL, he could also be in the running for a place in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup in June.

“If he can keep, he can play in the World Cup. Let’s see how he does in the IPL,” Shah said.

The Capitals also released a statement welcoming Pant back into the side, with co-owner Parth Jindal, stating, “We’re delighted to welcome Rishabh back to the Delhi Capitals family. The kind of grit and resilience he has displayed in overcoming challenges is inspirational, to say the least. We’re humbled to have been a part of his journey to recovery, which has been exceptional. Rishabh’s return is one of the most highly anticipated ones in recent times, and I can’t wait to see him compete again.”