BCCI Declares Rishabh Pant ‘Fit as Wicketkeeper-Batter’ for IPL 2024; India Star Set for Blockbuster Comeback

BCCI Declares Rishabh Pant ‘Fit as Wicketkeeper-Batter’ for IPL 2024; India Star Set for Blockbuster Comeback

After being deemed a 100 percent fit player for the Indian Premier League 2024 by the BCCI, Rishabh Pant is now expected to return to professional cricket as a wicketkeeper batter. When the Delhi Capitals play the Punjab Kings in their opening IPL match on March 23 in Mohali, the much-anticipated return of the India cricketer—who was involved in a tragic automobile tragedy in December 2022 that prevented him from playing in a full cricket calendar—will take place. “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,” the BCCI announced on X.

After undergoing surgery in the first half of 2023, Pant has been improving steadily, and his comeback from the beginning looks to be bigger than ever. Pant has made great progress during the majority of the previous year, and his sporadic attendance at the net sessions was evidence of his progress. Director Sourav Ganguly and coach Ricky Ponting of the Delhi Capitals kept stoking the pot as the anticipation around Pant’s absence increased by sharing encouraging news about his recovery in time for the IPL 2024. Pant is expected to play as a hitter, but even the Capitals’ co-owner, Parth Jindal, stated that “we will take a call for the rest of the IPL depending on how his body reacts.”

Between, Ponting had voiced some worries about Pant’s potential to play only as a hitter because there were still unanswered questions about his wicketkeeping skills. Despite how persuasive their claims seemed, the BCCI would not comment on Pant’s advancement. Up until now, As per the official update, Pant will bat and keep, although it is unlikely that DC will force Pant—who will rejoin as their captain—to participate in the practice every game of the season. Stretching Pant to the limit physically might not be the best choice for the Capitals because this will be his first competitive game in fifteen months. Pant started his simulation training in Bengaluru just a month ago, participating in a 20-over exhibition match in Alur. Pant performed painless one-handed sixes in front of the NCA staff’s discerning eyes. And while it was uncertain whether he would maintain wicket, the news of today should allay any worries.

Pants in line for the T20 World Cup?

Prior to India’s third Twenty20 International match against Afghanistan, Pant made an appearance in Bengaluru; therefore, it was only a matter of time until his fitness was officially declared. Pant immediately returns to the mix for a spot in India’s T20 World Cup plans with this statement. Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI, said just yesterday that Pant would play in the World Cup if he could keep wicket. The 26-year-old is almost certain to take the aircraft to the West Indies and the United States now that he is able to. India is scheduled to announce their team within the first week of May for the T20 World Cup, which begins on June 1. India’s wicketkeeper dilemma will be resolved if Pant returns to the field. Given his workload management, KL Rahul may or may not maintain his wicket while Ishan Kishan is sidelined for some time. Pant can also join the team right away because Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma haven’t yet cemented their spots in the starting lineup for India XI.

Also Read: Jason Roy Breaks Silence on Controversial IPL 2024 Withdrawal, Describing it as a ‘Tough Decision’

Prasidh, Shami out

The BCCI gave vital information regarding the availability of Mohammed Shami and Prasidh Krishna, two of India’s pacers, which eliminated them from the competition. Shami, who recently had ankle surgery, was ruled out ten days ago; the BCCI’s statement simply serves to solidify the development. Prasidh, on the other hand, underwent surgery on his left quadriceps tendon and will not be involved in any of the Rajasthan Royals’ 2024 IPL games. Prasidh will miss his second consecutive IPL season. However, there hasn’t been any news about KL. After a brief medical assessment in London, the Lucknow Super Giants captain returned to India and is currently receiving rehabilitation at the NCA. Due to a right quadriceps injury, he was unable to play in the Visakhapatnam Test match against England and was later ruled out of the entire series.

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