Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant made an emotional comeback to elite cricket on Saturday following a harrowing car crash, but his return was marred by Delhi Capitals' defeat to Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League.

Pant, taking the field as captain of Delhi after a 14-month absence from top-level cricket, expressed his emotions at the toss, emphasizing his desire to savor the moment. Despite receiving a standing ovation from the fans, Pant's innings was brief, cut short by a slower delivery from Harshal Patel which led to his dismissal.

The match saw Punjab Kings chasing a target of 175, with England's Sam Curran playing a pivotal role with a composed 63 off 47 balls. Curran's innings, supported by Liam Livingstone's crucial contributions, guided Punjab to victory with four wickets and four balls to spare.

While Pant acknowledged feeling nervous on his return, he expressed gratitude for being back on the field after undergoing intensive rehabilitation following the car crash in December 2022. The accident left Pant with multiple injuries, necessitating surgery and an extensive recovery period.

Despite Pant's commendable return, Delhi Capitals fell short in their opening IPL encounter, highlighting the challenges ahead in the tournament. Pant's resilience and determination, however, serve as a testament to his character, as he continues to overcome adversity and inspire fans with his cricketing prowess.