Rishabh Pant has been out of international cricket for over a year now. It was on December 30, 2022 that the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman survived a horrific car accident that significantly derailed his career.
He missed IPL 2023, followed by the World Cup and all other international series in which the Indian team has been playing late. Pant’s rehabilitation is almost over and he too has started practicing. Last week in Bengaluru he was seen performing tackles and interacting with Indian players when India played the third T20I against Afghanistan.
In Pant’s absence, India has tried several wicketkeepers. KL Rahul Ishan Kishan Kishan and Sanju Samson were judged in ODI and T20I cricket. Rahul was the nominated goalkeeper for the ODI World Cup. For the England Test series, however, KS Bharat looks the likely wicketkeeper behind the stumps. Dhurv Jurel, UP’s wicketkeeper-batsman has also been added to the team.
Meanwhile, India head coach Rahul Dravid has confirmed that KL Rahul will not play as a specialist wicketkeeper in the Test series against England.
“Rahul will not play as a goalkeeper in this series and we are clear about that in the selection itself. We have picked two other goalkeepers and obviously Rahul did a fantastic job for us in South Africa and he really played a big role in helping us tie the series.” Dravid said in a press conference.
“But considering five test matches (against England) and playing in these conditions, the selection will be between the other two goalkeepers we have,” he further explained.
Whether Fit Rishabh Pant should be in World Cup team: Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina, while speaking to Times of India, spoke about Pant’s possible return for the T20 World Cup 2024. Pant was part of the T20 World Cup 2022 squad for India. That was his last appearance for India in an ICC event.
“Absolutely. He should be considered. He is a game-changer. He has done it in the past. He has been a great white-ball cricketer. “But his fitness would come into the picture. It depends on how fit KL Rahul is when he arrives.” “the World Cup and his form will also matter. If Rishabh is fit, he should be in the World Cup team.” Raina said.
Meanwhile, Capitals of Delhi They have already confirmed that Rishabh Pant will lead the team in IPL 2024. He was also seen at the IPL 2024 auction along with the franchise owners. Pant tore his ligaments in a car accident in December 2022. Since then, he has been kept away from all cricket events.
Pant has since undergone successful reconstructive surgeries on the ligaments and has been undergoing his rehabilitation at the BCCI National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. In recent months, she has posted videos suggesting her recovery has gone as planned.
Rishabh Pant’s last appearance for India was against Bangladesh in a Test match in Dhaka in December 2022. The wicketkeeper-batsman has played 33 Tests, 30 ODIs and 66 T20Is for the national team.
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