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In the second match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on Saturday, Shikhar Dhawan's Punjab Kings won the toss and invited Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals to bat first at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mumbai. After the Capitals lost their openers, Mitchell Marsh and David Warner, skipper Pant came into bat and received a rousing reception from the crowd.
In December 2022, the wicketkeeper-batter met a horrific accident and missed out on selections for the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. After recovering from his gruesome injury, Pant returned to professional cricket after 14 months during Delhi and Punjab's IPL 2024 opener.
DC openers Mitchell Marsh (20) and David Warner (29) provided a decent start to their side as the Capitals lost both their openers at 74 runs in eight overs. After Warner's wicket, Pant came into bat and while walking towards the crease, the Chandigarh crowd gave a standing ovation to the 26-year-old.
Watch Rishabh Pant get roaring applause in Punjab:
However, Pant's presence on the crease was cut short by Harshal Patel, who got him caught out by Jonny Bairstow at 18 runs in 13 balls. On the fourth delivery of the 13th over, the former RCB pacer took off the pace and bowled a short delivery. As Pant attempted to uppercut the ball, the misjudgment led the ball straight into Jonny Bairstow's hands at the backward point.
