The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Tuesday that Rishabh Pant has been given the green light to participate as a wicketkeeper-batsman in the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), marking his return after a tumultuous year marked by a severe car accident.
Pant, representing the Delhi Capitals, has completed an extensive rehabilitation process and is primed to take on the dual role when the IPL kicks off on March 22.
However, the IPL will be without the services of Mohammed Shami, the seasoned pacer for Gujarat Titans, and Prasidh Krishna, who represents Rajasthan Royals, both sidelined due to injuries.
"In the wake of a rigorous 14-month rehabilitation journey following a life-threatening road accident on December 30th, 2022, near Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Rishabh Pant has been deemed fit to serve as a wicketkeeper-batsman for the upcoming IPL 2024," stated the BCCI.
Pant, who was present at the Capitals' table during the previous IPL auction, has been diligently working on his fitness regimen at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) since the unfortunate incident.
The accident had inflicted a severe right knee injury on Pant, necessitating ligament reconstruction surgery, in addition to fractures in his wrist and ankle. However, his resilience has seen him make a remarkable recovery.
Meanwhile, Shami is on the road to recovery following ankle surgery and is anticipated to return to action no earlier than September this year.
"The pacer underwent a successful surgery on February 26th, 2024, for his right heel ailment. He is under the close observation of the BCCI medical team and will be absent from the IPL 2024," confirmed the BCCI statement.
Similarly, Krishna is under the watchful eye of the BCCI medical team after undergoing surgery on February 23rd, 2024, for a left proximal quadriceps tendon issue.
"He will commence his rehabilitation at the NCA under supervision shortly. Regrettably, he will not be partaking in the forthcoming IPL 2024," the BCCI added.
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