The Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jay Shah has mentioned that Rishabh Pant is eligible to participate in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup as long as he is capable of fulfilling the wicketkeeping role. The highly anticipated ICC tournament is set to start on June 1, where the United States of America and the West Indies are the co-hosts.
Pant has been inactive since December 2022 after a serious car accident. The incident resulted in a significant right knee injury, necessitating surgical intervention. However, he has undergone a successful rehabilitation process, and as per the Delhi Capitals, he is expected to lead the team in the upcoming Indian Premier League which is set to start on March 22.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Jay Shah said, “He (Rishabh Pant) is batting well, he is keeping well. We will declare him fit very soon. If he can play in 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 in the World Cup. Let’s see how he does in the IPL.”
Shah also asserted that Mohammed Shami has returned to India after undergoing surgery abroad. There are expectations of his return to the cricket field when India faces Bangladesh later this year in a series featuring two Tests and three T20Is.
“Shami’s surgery is done; he is back in India. 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,” Shah added.
