Image Credit- PTI
“If he can keep
[wicket],” Rishabh Pant, who is scheduled to make his eagerly anticipated
return in the IPL later this month, can represent India in the T20 World Cup,
according to BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Pant has not been seen since a terrifying
vehicle catastrophe that occurred in December of 2022.
“He is batting well, he is keeping well. We will declare him fit very
soon,” Shah told PTI. “If he can play 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 the World Cup. Let’s see how he does in the IPL.”
The accident had
left Pant with a severe right knee injury that required a ligament
reconstruction surgery besides a fractured wrist and ankle.
His head coach at
Delhi Capitals, Ricky Ponting, had already said that Pant would play the
IPL. Last month, Capitals’ co-owner Parth Jindal told ESPNcricinfo that Pant
“has started his wicketkeeping”. Jindal also said Pant was
“likely to be fully fit for the IPL” and that he expected Pant to
“lead from match one”.
Mohammed Shami, a
fast bowler who is recovering from ankle surgery, should return later this year
for the home Test series against Bangladesh, according to Shah. In February,
Shami had surgery in London to repair his Achilles tendon on his right side.
Shami will not play in the IPL and was not present for the entire five-match
Test series against England. His most recent appearance for India came at the
2023 ODI World Cup, where he excelled. In September, India will play three
Twenty20 internationals and two Test matches against Bangladesh.
“Shami’s
surgery is done; he is back in India,” Shah said. “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.”
Rahul reported
complained of soreness in his right quadriceps, which kept him out of the final
four Test matches against England. After receiving treatment in London, he is
anticipated to play for the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League.
It is acknowledged that Rahul is still awaiting approval to sign with the Super
Giants.