Mumbai: Rishabh Pant has received the green light from the BCCI’s fitness and medical teams to don the gloves for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024. However, fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Prasidh Krishna have both been sidelined for the tournament.
Meanwhile, there’s no update on KL Rahul, designated captain of the Lucknow Super Giants, who has been absent since the first Test against England in January due to a quadricep tendon injury.
In a statement, the BCCI declared Pant fit for the role of wicketkeeper-batter after an extensive 14-month rehabilitation following a life-threatening accident near Roorkee, Uttarakhand, in December 2022.
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While Prasidh, recovering from surgery on his left proximal quadriceps tendon, will undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, there’s no timeline for Shami’s return after his recent heel surgery.
The news regarding Pant’s fitness follows a recent statement by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, suggesting Pant’s potential inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad in June, given his impressive form.
Pant’s journey back to fitness has been arduous, recovering from a severe knee injury that required ligament reconstruction surgery, along with a fractured wrist and ankle sustained in the accident. With BCCI’s clearance, Pant is poised to make his comeback as early as March 23, when Delhi Capitals face Punjab Kings in their IPL opener in Mohali.
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In February 2024, Pant commenced match-simulation drills in Bengaluru and participated in a 20-over practice match in Alur, Karnataka, showing no discomfort while batting throughout the game. Although he didn’t keep wickets then, Pant was advised to resume wicketkeeping practice in March.
Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal had previously announced Pant as the captain for IPL 2024, initially as a batter for the first half of the season. Jindal indicated that further decisions would hinge on Pant’s physical condition and performance.
