IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant To Return As Wicketkeeper-Batter After 15 Months, BCCI Confirms Fitness
Pant's journey back to the field comes after a grave car accident on December 30, 2022, which led to his absence from a series of crucial cricket matches. He is set to rejoin the Delhi Capitals for their opening match against the Punjab Kings on March 23 in Mohali, marking a highly anticipated comeback.
Rishabh Pant is set to make a triumphant comeback to professional cricket, resuming his wicketkeeper-batter duties after the BCCI confirmed his full fitness for the Indian Premier League 2024.
AFP
Pant fit for IPL 2024 wicket-keeping role
Pant's journey back to the field comes after a grave car accident on December 30, 2022, which led to his absence from a series of crucial cricket matches. He is set to rejoin the Delhi Capitals for their opening match against the Punjab Kings on March 23 in Mohali, marking a highly anticipated comeback.
"After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30th, 2022, @RishabhPant17 has now been declared fit as a wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming #TATA @IPL 2024," BCCI announced on X.
Pant recently participated in a practice match in Alur, Bengaluru, marking his first foray back into cricket since the harrowing accident. Following the accident, Pant underwent multiple ligament surgeries on his right knee before commencing his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Reports have affirmed that Pant's mobility remains unimpeded, allowing him to bat and run with the same agility as before. Last month, the Delhi-born player received treatment in London, facilitated entirely by the BCCI.
Furthermore, Rishabh Pant also shared an uplifting video from his training session, showcasing his participation in batting and wicketkeeping drills.
Rishabh Pant's road to recovery
Pant has been recovering well since his surgery in early 2023. He's been improving and practicing in nets. There was a lot of talk about when he would come back to play, especially from Delhi Capitals' coach Ricky Ponting and director Sourav Ganguly. They kept giving positive news about Pant's return just in time for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
There was some worry about whether Pant could still keep wickets because of his injury, but now it's confirmed he will both bat and keep wickets. However, since this is his first major play in 15 months, he might not do the wicketkeeping for the entire season to avoid too much strain.
Upon Pant's arrival in Bengaluru prior to India's third T20I against Afghanistan, it was inevitable that his fitness status would soon be confirmed. This announcement also promptly reinstates Pant as a candidate for inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad. BCCI secretary Jay Shah even said that Pant would be in the World Cup team if he could keep wicket.
TIL
Now that he can, it's almost certain he will go to the West Indies and USA for the World Cup. The team selection will be announced in early May.
With Pant returning, India's wicketkeeper issue could be fixed. Ishan Kishan has been sidelined for some time, and KL Rahul might not keep wickets regularly due to his workload. Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma haven't secured permanent spots in the Indian team yet, which means Pant has a chance to easily join the Playing XI.
For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
We keep you updated with the latest happenings from India and across the globe. Whether it's something quirky, emotional, inspiring, or informative ¨C we've got you covered.
