IPL 2024 - DC skipper Rishabh Pant gets standing ovation from Mullanpur crowd on his return | WATCH

The 2nd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) witnessed the return of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Following the dismissal of DC opener David Warner, cheers erupted at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, welcoming Pant back to the field.

ALSO READ | IPL 2024 - As Royal Challengers Bengaluru lose season opener vs CSK, fans trend 'Vintage RCB is RCBing'

It marked the eagerly anticipated comeback of the player, who had been absent from cricket action for the past 15 months due to a gruesome car accident. Indeed, his return story overshadowed the match, as Punjab fans were seen giving the batter a standing ovation as he walked out to the crease. Even the big screen at the stadium displayed the message, "Guess who is back!" as fans cheered for the Indian keeper, longing for his explosive batting and electrifying wicket-keeping on the field.

As for the clash, DC made a promising start with Mitchell Marsh (20) and David Warner (29) hitting boundaries, collectively sharing four sixes. However, Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel claimed the wickets of the DC opening batters, slightly tilting the game in their favour.

ALSO READ | IPL 2024 - CSK win season opener but Chepauk crowd screams 'We want Dhoni'

However, as of writing this article, Pant (18) and Windies batter Shai Hope (33) both have also departed. DC have scored 111 runs off 13 overs and lost their top 4. Ricky Bhui and Tristan Stubbs are at the crease.

At the toss, Punjab Kings opted to bowl first at their new home venue. Their four foreign players were Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, and Rabada. As for DC, they had Hope, Marsh, Warner, and Tristan Stubbs as their overseas players.

Teams:

Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Shai Hope, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Ricky Bhui, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Sumit Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Ishant Sharma

Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Shikhar Dhawan(c), Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh.