BCCI Secretary Jay Shah feels that Rishabh Pant could be considered in the India squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 if he can take up his wicket-keeping duties.
Pant, the skilled left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, has been absent from competitive cricket following a harrowing car accident on December 30, 2022, en route to his hometown of Roorkee. During Pant’s extended absence, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Jitesh Sharma have emerged as viable wicketkeeping options for India in the shortest format.
Pant recently underwent ligament reconstruction surgery on his right knee, in addition to sustaining injuries to his ankle, wrist, and toe, as well as abrasions on his back and two cuts on his forehead. Following a thorough rehabilitation program at the esteemed National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, he is poised to make his highly anticipated comeback to competitive cricket for Delhi Capitals during the upcoming IPL 2024 season commencing on March 22.
“Rishabh Pant is batting well; he is keeping well. We will declare him fit very soon. If he can play in the T20 World Cup for us, that will be a big thing for us. He is a big asset for us. If he can keep, he can play in the World Cup. Let’s see how he does in the IPL,” Shah told reporters.
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Meanwhile, Shah also gave an update on star pacer Mohammed Shami and wicketkeeper-batter K.L. Rahul
“Shami’s surgery is done; he is back in India. Shami’s return is likely for the home series against Bangladesh. KL Rahul needed an injection, he has started rehab and is at the NCA,” added Shah.
Notably, Shami is recovering after undergoing ankle surgery, which kept him out of the field since last year’s ODI World Cup final. He is also set to miss the upcoming IPL 2024 and the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the USA and the West Indies.
