BCCI's Secretary, Jay Shah, has voiced the possibility of Rishabh Pant featuring in India's strategy for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies, contingent upon his readiness to resume his wicket-keeping responsibilities.
Pant, renowned for his left-handed batting and wicketkeeping skills, has been absent from competitive cricket since surviving a harrowing car accident on December 30, 2022, en route to his hometown Roorkee. During Pant's hiatus, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Jitesh Sharma have emerged as potential wicketkeeping alternatives for India in the T20 format.
Having undergone ligament reconstruction surgery on his right knee, in addition to sustaining injuries to his ankle, wrist, toe, back abrasions, and cuts on the forehead, Pant underwent extensive rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. His eagerly anticipated return to competitive cricket is slated for the IPL 2024 season with the Delhi Capitals, commencing on March 22.
"Rishabh is showing promising form both with the bat and behind the stumps. We anticipate declaring him fit shortly. His potential inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad would significantly bolster our lineup. His versatility as a wicketkeeper-batsman adds depth to our team. The upcoming IPL will serve as a litmus test for his readiness," Shah conveyed to reporters in Dharamshala following India's triumph in the Test series against England.
Meanwhile, pace bowler Mohammed Shami is recuperating following ankle surgery, a setback that sidelined him post last year's ODI World Cup final. With Shami's absence from IPL 2024 and the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, Shah hinted at a possible return during the Test series against Bangladesh in September.
Regarding wicketkeeper-batsman K.L. Rahul, who has been grappling with a quadriceps injury since featuring in the first Test against England in Hyderabad, Shah mentioned his ongoing rehabilitation at the NCA subsequent to consulting with specialists in London.
"Shami's surgery has been successfully completed, and he's back in India. We are eyeing his return for the home series against Bangladesh. KL Rahul has commenced rehab after receiving necessary treatment and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA," Shah added.
Read also | Sweating for Success: Rishabh Pant's Intense Gym Session Before IPL 2024
Read also | IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant Cleared for DC Return by NCA, Insider Reveals
