Aoba Tanaka 
Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, on the road to recovery after a car accident in December 2022, is eyeing a comeback in the upcoming IPL and has the T20 World Cup in his sights if he can resume wicketkeeping duties successfully. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah expressed optimism about Pant’s fitness, stating, “He is batting well, he is keeping well. If he can play the T20 World Cup for us, that will be a big thing for us.”
Pant suffered a severe right knee injury, necessitating ligament reconstruction surgery, along with a fractured wrist and ankle. His coach at Delhi Capitals, Ricky Ponting, and Capitals’ co-owner Parth Jindal have both indicated that Pant is likely to be fully fit for the IPL, with expectations of him leading the team from the outset.
Jay Shah also provided updates on fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who underwent ankle surgery in February. Shami is anticipated to make a comeback during the home Test series against Bangladesh later this year. Shami’s absence was felt in the recent Test series against England, and he will also miss the IPL. Shah mentioned, “Shami’s return is likely for the home series against Bangladesh.”
KL Rahul, recovering from a right quadriceps issue, is expected to feature for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL after undergoing treatment in London. However, he is awaiting clearance to join the team. Shah added, “KL Rahul needed an injection, he has started rehab and is at the NCA.”
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits Pant’s return, his potential inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad would add a significant boost to the team’s firepower, pending a successful comeback in the IPL.
