(Football news) The last week has been all about Rishabh Pant, with his recovery from a potentially fatal accident being thoroughly examined.

After participating in the team’s Holi celebrations and light workout drills, Pant seemed content to be the center of attention for the first time in a week. He then oversaw some of the young batters for the Capitals during their net sessions.

The moment Pant and Jake Fraser-McGurk engaged in a hitting competition at range was more thrilling to watch. Both players were batting in neighboring nets when they kept sending the ball to the distant corners of the academy ground owned by the Rajasthan Cricket Association. This resulted in the organizers having to block off a walking area where the balls landed. 

Rajasthan Royal’s focus seemed to be on Fraser-McGurk, Australia’s teenage sensation, and how he could match up to Pant. At the same time, there couldn’t have been a bigger sign of how far Pant has come since he was declared fit.

At the other end of the training area were the Rajasthan Royals, who haven’t enjoyed a lot of success at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium lately. Last year, Royals managed to win just one of their five home games at the venue, once considered a fortress for them. And therein lies an opportunity for Capitals.

But Capitals’ middle order couldn’t capitalise on the start they were given in Mullanpur against Punjab Kings, and will once again be under scrutiny. Against a gun Royals attack, they will have their task cut out for sure.

Rajasthan Royals have a solid batting core, but they need Jos Buttler to find his scoring touch quickly. He went through a wretched run last season, and started this one with a nine-ball 11 against Lucknow Super Giants in their opening game. That said, Riyan Parag, Royals’ new No. 4, seemed at home in the first game, as did Sanju Samson, who has had a history of starting well and then tailing away.

The explosive batting talent available on both sides should make for compelling viewing. But Rajasthan Royals, on the little evidence we have had so far, look the stronger of the two.

The Rajasathan Royals will be hoping that Parag bounces back from his flu attack as soon as possible.

The Rajasthan Royals have no need to alter their starting lineup as of right now, but if Parag is declared out, they may choose to insert their highly regarded auction purchase Shubham Dubey as a finisher. Nandre Burger will replace a batter during their bowling innings, therefore their impact replacements won’t be affected in any manner.

Anrich Nortje has arrived in India, having missed Capitals’ opener to be with his family after the arrival of his first child. He has trained for two days straight and could come into the Capitals XI straightaway.

Ishant Sharma has been declared “available” for selection for Capitals after hobbling off during their opening game after twisting his ankle while fielding.

It’s well known that the Capitals would like to keep Mitchell Marsh and David Warner as their opening batsmen. Prithvi Shaw is consequently automatically ruled out. However, one of Shai Hope and Tristan Stubbs will have to make way because Nortje is back and could be the difference maker when they bowl.

This means that their middle order is once more a little uncooked, with Abishek Porel and Ricky Bhui probably going to bat and one of them being replaced after the batting innings.

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