Rishabh Pant's return to cricket sooner than expected? Huge update on wicketkeeper batter out

It has been a year since Rishabh Pant played competitive cricket after he was involved in a horrific car accident on the Delhi-Dehradun highway on December 30. Team India's flamboyant wicketkeeper batter last donned the Indian jersey in a Test match against Bangladesh in Mirpur. He had to undergo multiple surgeries and has since been rehabilitated.

Advertisment

There were reports that the 26-year-old is recovering fast and the latest updates support the fact that his return to the cricket field is going to happen sooner than expected. A source close to developments revealed to News18 that there were concerns about how Pant's ankle and knee would react after the injury, but things are looking positive. He/she added that the left-hander is likely to start running at 100% intensity from next week.

“Pant’s recovery has been on point, in fact better than expected. The concern was how the knee and ankle would react after the injury. Especially the knee after ligament tears and surgeries. Both ankle and knee engagement has been on point and that was a big positive considering they are going to bear a lot of load during wicketkeeping. The load on the body will be gradually increased now and running at 100% intensity is likely to begin from next week,” said a source. 

Pant expected to be match-fit during the series against England

Advertisment

It is also learned that Pant is expected to regain match fitness during the home Test series against England scheduled to be played from January 25 to March 11, 2024. However, the board is not willing to take a risk, so he will likely return to action during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. 

“Don’t be surprised if Pant becomes ready around the England Tests. But even if he does, the NCA is likely to use the shortest format to ease him back into action. Just like they did with Bumrah who first played T20Is vs Ireland before playing the 50-over format. The manner in which both NCA and Indian Cricket Baord handled Pandya and Bumrah, similar approach will be followed with Pant. The bigger picture and complete fitness of Pant is important. So IPL looks like a viable option for now,” adds the source.

Pant has been India's vital cog in all formats, especially in Test cricket. His absence was visible in the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle where India lost to Australia at the Kennington Oval in London. His absence hurt not only the national team but also Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 2023 IPL. This will be a huge boost for the Delhi-based franchise as the Roorkee-born cricketer is almost confirmed to play in the upcoming season.