IPL 2024: BCCI gives the green light for Rishabh Pant to participate as a wicketkeeper-batsman

Rishabh Pant has received approval from the BCCI’s fitness and medical units to serve as the wicketkeeper for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024. Unfortunately, fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Prasidh Krishna have been declared unfit for the tournament.

However, there is still no information available regarding KL Rahul, the appointed captain of Lucknow Super Giants, who has been sidelined due to a quadricep tendon injury since the initial Test against England in January.

Rishabh Pant’s remarkable road to recovery

“After a rigorous 14-month rehabilitation process following a life-threatening road accident on December 30th, 2022, near Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Rishabh Pant has been given the green light as a wicketkeeper-batsman for the upcoming TATA IPL 2024,” stated the BCCI.

The BCCI also disclosed that Prasidh, who underwent surgery on February 23 for his left proximal quadriceps tendon, will commence his recovery at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Regarding Shami, who recently underwent heel surgery, there is no specified return date, with the BCCI’s medical team overseeing his progress.

The announcement regarding Pant came shortly after BCCI secretary Jay Shah mentioned to the media that Pant was showing promising signs in both batting and keeping, hinting at his potential inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad in June.

“If he’s fit to play the T20 World Cup, it will be a significant boost for us. He’s a valuable asset,” Shah expressed. “If he can manage keeping, he can participate in the World Cup. Let’s observe his performance in the IPL.”

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Rishabh Pant’s path to IPL 2024 redemption

Pant, who last featured in senior cricket in December 2022, sustained severe injuries to his right knee, requiring ligament reconstruction surgery, as well as a fractured wrist and ankle in the car accident. Now, with the BCCI’s clearance, Pant could make his return as early as March 23, when Delhi Capitals face Punjab Kings in their opening IPL fixture in Mohali.

In February 2024, Pant commenced match-simulation drills in Bengaluru and even participated in a 20-over practice match in Alur, Karnataka, under the supervision of NCA physiotherapists and trainers. During this period, Pant reportedly showed no discomfort while batting throughout the entire 20 overs, with those overseeing his progress content with his stamina levels. However, Pant didn’t keep wickets during this time and was advised to resume that aspect of his training in March.

Last month, Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal declared Pant as the captain for IPL 2024 and stated that Pant would solely focus on batting for the first half of the season. Jindal mentioned that depending on Pant’s physical condition, further decisions regarding his role in the team would be made later in the IPL campaign.