PTC Web Desk: Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant is set to make a triumphant return to professional cricket, having been declared 100 percent fit for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The wicketkeeper-batsman, who faced a life-threatening car crash in December 2022, missed a significant portion of the cricketing calendar due to the incident. Pant is slated to rejoin the Delhi Capitals for their IPL campaign opener against Punjab Kings on March 23 in Mohali.
The BCCI, in a recent announcement, confirmed Rishabh Pant’s readiness after undergoing an extensive 14-month rehabilitation and recovery process since the harrowing road mishap. The post on social media stated, “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.”
Pant has made notable progress since his surgery in the first half of 2023, showcasing rapid improvement during occasional net sessions throughout the past year. Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting and director Sourav Ganguly had been optimistic about Pant’s return, providing positive updates amid suspense surrounding his absence. Co-owner Parth Jindal hinted that Pant would play as a batter, but decisions about his role would depend on how his body reacts during the IPL.
While concerns were raised about Pant’s ability to keep wicket, the recent official update from BCCI puts those doubts to rest. Pant is expected to both bat and keep wickets for the Delhi Capitals, with the likelihood of careful management of his playing time throughout the season, considering his prolonged absence from top-flight cricket.
Last month, Pant initiated simulation exercises in Bengaluru, participating in a 20-over exhibition match in Alur under the scrutiny of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) staff. Impressively, he demonstrated no discomfort while hitting one-handed sixes, further indicating his readiness to return as a wicketkeeper-batsman.
The announcement also thrusts Pant back into contention for a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah had earlier stated that if Pant could keep wickets, he would play in the World Cup. With Pant’s confirmation as a wicketkeeper-batsman, he is now a strong candidate for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 1, with the squad announcement expected in the first week of May.
Pant’s return could potentially resolve India’s wicketkeeper conundrum, especially with Ishan Kishan sidelined and uncertainty surrounding KL Rahul’s wicketkeeping role due to workload management. Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma are yet to solidify their positions in the Indian XI, making Pant a valuable addition if he maintains his form.
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Indian pacers Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Shami unavailable for IPL 2024
In other crucial updates, the BCCI declared Indian pacers Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Shami unavailable for IPL 2024. Shami, recovering from ankle surgery, had been ruled out earlier, while Prasidh underwent left quadriceps tendon surgery, marking his absence from the Rajasthan Royals for the second consecutive IPL season. However, there is no update on KL Rahul’s availability, as the Lucknow Super Giant skipper is undergoing rehab at the NCA after experiencing pain in his right quadriceps, leading to his exclusion from the recent Test series against England.
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