'It's something new and exciting' - Rishabh Pant set to become first active player to participate in IPL Auction round table

Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Rishabh Pant is set to be at the franchise's auction table alongside head coach Ricky Ponting and Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly on December 19 in Dubai. DC faces the task of filling 9 slots, with 4 reserved for overseas players. Pant's presence at the auction table, a departure from the usual representation by CEOs, coaches, and directors of cricket, signifies the team's trust in him to lead a comeback after recovering from injuries sustained in a road accident last year.

Pant has recently been appointed as the captain of DC for the upcoming IPL 2024 season. In IPL 2023, Australia's David Warner took over the captaincy in Pant's absence due to injuries. However, Pant is expected to be at his fitness best by the time IPL 2024 kicks off, likely in March 2024. This move signals DC's confidence in Pant's leadership and playing abilities as they gear up for the auction and the upcoming IPL season.

"It is something new and exciting. I haven't been a part of the auction process before. I am looking forward to it," he said in a video posted by Delhi Capitals. "Doing much better than what I was doing a few months ago. Still on recovery to 100 per cent, but in a few months’ time I will be able to do it," he added.

Rishabh Pant also opened up on his recovery

When asked about his recovery, Pant further said: "It has been really amazing because whenever we keep playing cricket we feel no one loves us because there is so much pressure. Yes, it was a hard time, but at least I got to know that people love and respect me and kind of kind of concern that they showed by heartwarming and crazy for me. It means a lot and helped a lot in recovery."

The 26-year-old fondly recalled his payday from the IPL auction day. He expressed the sentiment that the first IPL auction holds a special place in the heart of any player. "Every player will remember their first auction price. I went for Rs 1.9 crore and I really enjoyed that and loved being picked by Delhi Capitals," said Pant.