Rishabh Pant may find himself on the flight to the T20 World Cup 2024. India’s star wicketkeeper batter, who’s ready to make his professional comeback on March 23, is already in BCCI’s scheme of things, despite having not been in action in nearly 15 months.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, while talking with PTI about Pant, his fitness, and the chance of him returning to the India cricket team at the T20 World Cup 2024, said:
“He is batting well; he is keeping well. We will declare him fit very soon. If he can play the T20 World Cup for us, that will be a big thing for us. He is a big asset for us.“
However, Rishabh Pant‘s chances hinge on one thing: his keeping. Having undergone ligament surgery in the knee, the wicketkeeper batter’s fitness behind the stumps is yet to be checked. So far, the Delhi Capitals, his IPL franchise, haven’t confirmed whether he’ll wicketkeep during the 2024 season.
On his keeping being the deciding factor, Jay Shah said:
“If he can keep, he can play the World Cup. Let’s see how he does in the IPL.”
Jitesh Sharma & Ishan Kishan’s T20 World Cup dream over?
With the chances of Pant returning, it could very well mean that Jitesh Sharma and Ishan Kishan may find themselves out of the reckoning for the T20 World Cup 2024. While Kishan’s central contract has been terminated and the BCCI is potentially miffed about his attitude, Jitesh has shone brightly in the handful of opportunities given.
Unfortunately for Jitesh, Rishabh Pant has a proven record in international cricket. Having led the team to famous victories and scored Test tons in South Africa, Australia, and England, no one can question his ability. Although his skills are yet to be translated into T20Is, his talent alone warrants his place.
Pant has been tearing it up in the IPL for over five years and has played in the T20 World Cup before as well. If fit, he’ll find himself in the USA and the West Indies in June, while Kishan and Sharma could potentially miss out.
