Former Indian batter and expert Aakash Chopra has opined that he does not see Rishabh Pant in the upcoming T20 World Cup next year. Pant has been out of the action for almost one year after suffering a horrific road accident on December 31, 2022. Chopra reckons it might be a little premature for the dashing wicketkeeper-batter to return to India’s squad for next year’s T20 World Cup.
“Rishabh Pant is exciting, enigmatic and entertaining, but he wouldn’t have played cricket for a long time. Firstly, he should play in the IPL. If he plays in the IPL and performs very well, I will keep him in the scheme of things,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
As mentioned above, Rishabh Pant hasn’t played competitive cricket since December 2022. Although he is expected to play for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, he will have to prove his fitness and form to be in the reckoning for the T20 World Cup.
“However, I don’t know how much and how well he will be able to play. So I am not counting my chickens before they hatch. I feel it will take a little time for Rishabh Pant. You don’t want to rush in case of a World Cup. So World Cup – maybe not, but I really hope that he gets fit and comes back,” added Aakash Chopra.
Meanwhile, Pant keeps posting videos of his training session and the latest one has given high hopes to his fans who are missing him badly. In a video shared on Instagram, Pant could be seen lifting weights and cycling at the NCA gym.