India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has been declared fit to play in the Indian Super League after 14 months on the sidelines with injuries he sustained in a car crash in 2022.
Pant suffered injuries to his head, back and legs in a serious accident in December 2022, with his car flipping over twice and catching fire after he fell asleep at the wheel, according to police in India.
Pant, who has played 33 Tests, 30 one-day internationals and 66 T20Is for India, required reconstructive surgery on a ligament in his right knee following the crash.
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The 26-year-old has not played since then, but he will represent Delhi Capitals when the new IPL season begins on March 22.
A statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) read: “After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30, 2022, Rishabh Pant has now been declared fit as a wicketkeeper batter for the upcoming TATA IPL 2024.”
🚨 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁:
After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30th, 2022, @RishabhPant17 has now been declared fit as a wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming #TATA @IPL 2024…
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 12, 2024
Should Pant prove his fitness in the IPL, he could yet feature in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup, which is being held in the West Indies and the United States in June.
Pant will captain Delhi for the new IPL campaign, with their opening match pitting them against Punjab Kings on March 23.
In less positive news for India, however, fast bowler Mohammed Shami will miss the IPL season after undergoing ankle surgery and is also a doubt for the World Cup.
