IPL 2024: In a massive development for Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, their captain – Rishabh Pant – has been declared fit by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to play as the wicketkeeper batter in the IPL 2024. The clearance was issued by the fitness and medical team at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
The board released a statement earlier today informing the development. The statement mentioned that Rishabh Pant followed an extensive 14-month rehab programme after he met the horrific accident in 2022.
“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 wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming TATA IPL 2024,” the BCCI’s statement said.
It is worth noting that, Pant was expected to take part in the Tata IPL 2024 as a specialist batter. However, the recent update makes him available to keep wickets for Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL 2022, which begins on March 22 in Chennai.
The statement from the BCCI followed the remarks made by Secretary Jay Shah, a day ago, who reckons Rishabh Pant’s availability in the T20 World Cup, later this year, will be a massive boost for Team India.
“If he [Rishabh Pant] can play the T20 World Cup for us, that will be a big thing for us. He is a big asset for us,” Shah said. “If he can keep, he can play the World Cup. Let’s see how he does in the IPL.”
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Rishabh Pant began match simulation training in Bengaluru in February. The southpaw even took part in a few practice matches where he batted for entire 20 overs without any discomfort. All this was done under the watchful eyes of the physios, who seemed satisfied.
Having received a green signal from the BCCI, Pant is now anticipated to make his international comeback on March 23 against Punjab Kings.
Mohammad Shami, Prasidh Krishna Ruled Out of IPL 2024
While the BCCI declared Rishabh Pant fit to take part in the IPL 2024, the board ruled out all the possibilities of pacers Mohammad Shami and Prasidh Krishna to feature in the tournament.
Both the bowlers will remain at the NCA for their rehabilitation. Prasidh Krishna, who underwent surgery on February 23 on his left proximal quadriceps tendon, will soon begin his rehab in Bengaluru.
The BCCI didn’t provide any update on KL Rahul, who suffered a quadriceps injury in the India vs England first test.
ALSO READ: IPL 2024: Rohit Sharma to lead CSK in the IPL after MS Dhoni, predicts Ambati Rayudu
