(Image Source: PTI)
[Saba Sports News] Indian cricket fans at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium were delighted to see Rishabh Pant practicing in the nets before the third T20I against Afghanistan. Pant, rehabilitating at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) following a car accident, is expected to return for Delhi Capitals in the 2024 IPL.
Sunil Gavaskar has supported Pant’s inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad, and head coach Rahul Dravid is keenly anticipating the IPL to assess Pant’s comeback. However, former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan doubts selectors will favor Pant for the World Cup, even with a strong IPL performance.
Pant’s December 2023 car accident led to serious knee injuries, requiring three reconstructive surgeries. He has been updating fans on his recovery and recently resumed practice. Retained by Delhi Capitals for the 2024 season, Pant’s return is eagerly awaited by team director Sourav Ganguly. Gavaskar has even suggested Pant’s automatic selection for the World Cup.
Zaheer Khan, speaking on Colors Cineplex, acknowledged the challenges Pant faces in regaining form after 15 months without match practice. Zaheer believes that, despite a successful IPL, selectors might not consider him for the T20 World Cup.
Dravid recently hinted at the IPL’s influence on selecting wicketkeepers for the World Cup, with players like Jitesh Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, and Pant in contention. The final decision will be made after observing their performances over the next few months, as Dravid noted post the Afghanistan T20I.