Will Rishabh Pant Play T20 World Cup? : The ICC released the schedule for the T20 World Cup 2024, with India’s campaign set to begin on June 5. As anticipation builds, one of the key questions on the minds of Indian cricket fans is whether star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will be fit to participate. Pant, who has been sidelined from cricket following a serious car accident, has been undergoing rehabilitation for the past year.
Will Rishabh Pant Play T20 World Cup?
While his return to competitive cricket remains uncertain, former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has made a bold prediction regarding Pant’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. Let’s discuss more about Will Rishabh Pant Play T20 World Cup below.
Manjrekar, speaking on Star Sports after the schedule announcement, expressed optimism about Pant’s recovery and potential return. According to Manjrekar, if Pant is able to participate in the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, he stands a good chance of being part of India’s squad for the T20 World Cup. This statement has sparked discussions among fans and experts alike about Pant’s fitness, his importance to the Indian team, and the available options should he not be ready in time.
Manjrekar’s Prediction: Pant’s IPL Performance Is Key
Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Rishabh Pant’s performance and, more importantly, his ability to stay fit throughout IPL 2024 will be crucial in determining whether he can make it to the T20 World Cup squad. Manjrekar stated that Pant is “completely fine” in terms of his recovery process, and his participation in the IPL will be the litmus test for his inclusion in the national team. Will Rishabh Pant Play T20 World Cup?
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“If Rishabh Pant is fit and able to play the entire IPL season, then he will definitely come into the Indian team,” said Manjrekar. However, he also cautioned that if Pant is not fully fit, the selectors will likely look to other options like Ishan Kishan or Jitesh Sharma to fill the wicketkeeper-batsman role.
Pant’s explosive batting, fearless approach, and ability to turn games in India’s favor have made him a fan favorite and a key figure in India’s white-ball squads. His absence from cricket over the past year due to his rehabilitation has been felt, and his return could provide a major boost to India’s T20 World Cup aspirations. Will Rishabh Pant Play T20 World Cup?
Fitness Will Be the Deciding Factor
Rishabh Pant’s return to international cricket hinges entirely on his fitness. The road to recovery following his car accident has been long, but recent photos and videos shared on social media show Pant making steady progress. He has been seen working out, undergoing rehabilitation, and even doing light cricketing drills. These updates have raised fans‘ hopes that he may make a return in IPL 2024, which would be his first competitive cricket action in over a year.
The IPL, being one of the most intense and high-pressure cricket leagues in the world, will serve as a proving ground for Pant. If he can handle the rigors of a full IPL season, there is a good chance that he could be included in India’s T20 World Cup squad. However, if his fitness does not meet the required levels, the Indian selectors will have to consider alternatives. Will Rishabh Pant Play T20 World Cup?
Pant’s Absence: A Long Hiatus from Cricket
Rishabh Pant has been away from cricket for almost a year following his car accident in December 2022. The accident left him with multiple injuries, including ligament damage that required surgery. Since then, Pant has focused on rehabilitation, and while his recovery has been promising, he has not yet returned to competitive cricket.
His absence from the Indian team has led to a reshuffling of wicketkeeping options in the shorter formats. In Pant’s absence, Ishan Kishan has been a regular feature in India’s limited-overs teams. Additionally, Jitesh Sharma has emerged as another potential wicketkeeping candidate for India, particularly in the T20 format. Both Kishan and Sharma have performed admirably, but Pant’s aggressive style of play and match-winning capabilities make him a unique asset. Will Rishabh Pant Play T20 World Cup?
India’s Backup Options: Ishan Kishan and Jitesh Sharma
If Pant is unable to return in time for the T20 World Cup, India will likely turn to Ishan Kishan and Jitesh Sharma to fill the wicketkeeper-batsman role. Ishan Kishan has been in good form, both as a wicketkeeper and a top-order batsman, and his aggressive approach is similar to Pant’s. Kishan’s recent performances in T20Is and ODIs have made him a strong contender for the role, and his versatility as a left-handed batter is another advantage.
Jitesh Sharma, meanwhile, has been impressive in domestic cricket and the IPL. His ability to finish games and his sharp wicketkeeping skills have earned him recognition as a rising star in Indian cricket. If Pant is not fit, Jitesh could be considered as a backup option, though Kishan is likely to be the first-choice replacement. Will Rishabh Pant Play T20 World Cup?
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The Road Ahead for Pant
For now, all eyes are on Rishabh Pant’s recovery and his potential return to action in IPL 2024. While Sanjay Manjrekar’s prediction has given hope to Indian cricket fans, the final decision will rest on Pant’s fitness and performance during the IPL. If he proves his fitness and performs well, he could reclaim his spot in the national team for the T20 World Cup. Will Rishabh Pant Play T20 World Cup?
Pant’s presence in the Indian squad would not only strengthen the batting lineup but also add a sense of unpredictability that has made him a game-changer in many of India’s recent victories. However, if he is unable to recover in time, India still has strong alternatives in Ishan Kishan and Jitesh Sharma, ensuring that the team is well-covered in the wicketkeeping department.