Rishabh Pant fit to feature as wicketkeeper-batter in IPL 2024: BCCI

Rishabh Pant, who has been out of action since his car crash in December 2022, has been declared fit by the BCCI to play the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as a wicketkeeper-batter. Pant is also expected to lead Delhi Capitals (DC) in the tournament. David Warner stepped in for Pant in his absence last season. 

However, fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Shami, who have undergone surgeries, have been ruled out of the tournament. Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans are yet to name replacements for Prasidh and Shami respectively for the upcoming IPL season, which will get underway from March 22 onwards.

The BCCI release is as follows:

"Rishabh Pant: After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30th, 2022, near Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Rishabh Pant has now been declared fit as a wicketkeeper-batter for the upcoming TATA IPL 2024.

Prasidh Krishna: The fast bowler underwent surgery on February 23rd, 2024, on his left proximal quadriceps tendon. He is currently being monitored by the BCCI Medical Team and will resume rehab at the National Cricket Academy soon. He will not be able to take part in the upcoming TATA IPL 2024.

Mohd Shami: The fast bowler successfully underwent surgery on February 26th, 2024, for his right heel problem. He is currently being monitored by the BCCI medical team and is ruled out of the upcoming TATA IPL 2024."

On Monday (March 11), BCCI secretary Jay Shah had said that Pant remains in India's plans for the T20 World Cup 2024, given that he has been recovering well.

"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."