In the absence of Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from a serious injury, young wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has made a strong case for himself in the Indian Test setup. Making his debut in the first Test against West Indies, Kishan showcased his potential and scored his maiden half-century in the second Test. Alongside KS Bharat, Kishan is competing to replace Pant in the Test squad.
However, Pant’s recovery process has been challenging, and he might miss not only the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) but also the 2024 edition. Ishant Sharma, the senior India pacer, expressed concern about Pant’s return, emphasizing that the injury was severe, and the road to recovery is long and challenging.
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“I feel we might not see Rishabh Pant in the next IPL as well because it is not a small injury. It was a very serious accident. He has just started batting and wicketkeeping and to run and turn after that, there are a lot of things, which is not easy for a wicketkeeper and a batter,” Ishant Sharma said in an interview with Jio Cinema.
Ishant Sharma, having played 100 Test matches for India, also ruled out Pant’s return for the 2023 World Cup. The gloveman’s absence could be felt during crucial upcoming events, including the Asia Cup and the 50-over World Cup later this year. Despite Pant avoiding a second surgery, his recovery process remains slow, making his participation uncertain.
“The good thing is that he didn’t have a second surgery. If he had undergone a second surgery, he would have been out for even longer. He has had one surgery now but I don’t think he will be fit for the World Cup for sure. Hopefully, if he gets fit for the IPL, it will be great,” Ishant Sharma added.
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As Pant continues his rehabilitation journey, the Indian team will closely monitor his progress and hope for his speedy recovery to bolster their line-up in the future.
