NEWS
Follow UsBCCI Secretary Jay Shah has stated that wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant is still in India’s radar for the T20 World Cup, and has revealed that the 26-year-old could still take part in the mega event if he can keep wickets.
Pant, who suffered a horrific car accident 14 months ago, has been out of action since December 2022 and is yet to play professional cricket since the crash. However, he is expected to return to cricketing action in the Indian Premier League (IPL) later this year, representing the Delhi Capitals (DC).
It remains to be seen if Pant will be fit enough to keep wickets, but his franchise DC have confirmed that the left-hander will, at the very least, certainly play as a batter.
Shah, speaking to PTI, revealed that Pant could potentially make it to the T20WC squad if he can prove both his batting and wicket-keeping fitness.
"He (Pant) 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."
Meanwhile, the BCCI secretary has also revealed that Mohammed Shami, who has been ruled out of IPL 2024 due to an Achilles injury, is expected to return to action in India’s two-Test series against Bangladesh later this year. Shah revealed that Shami has already returned back to India after undergoing surgery on his right Achilles tendon.
"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."
