Dharamsala: BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has stated that Rishabh Pant could be in India's plans for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies if he can keep wickets effectively.
He also confirmed his participation in the 2024 IPL season which kickstarts from March 22 in Chennai with the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings at MA Chidambaram Stadium.
"He is batting well, he is keeping well. We will declare him fit very soon. If he can play in the T20 World Cup for us, that will be a big thing for us. If he can keep, he can play in the World Cup. Let's see how he does in the IPL," he told media at an event.
The accident in late 2022 left Rishabh with a right knee injury that required reconstruction surgery to the ligament.
In other major updates, possible return dates have also been identified for fast bowler Mohammed Shami and batter KL Rahul.
Shami is recovering from an ankle surgery and missed the recent Test series against England. He has been confirmed to miss the IPL 2024 season and will only likely return for the home series against Bangladesh in September. This would also rule him out of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The pacer hasn't played T20Is since the last tournament in Australia in November 2022.
Rahul, meanwhile, played the first Test against England before missing the rest with a quadriceps injury. He underwent treatment in London and is expected to play in IPL 2024.
"Shami's surgery is done; he is back in India," Shah said. "Shami's return is likely for the home series against Bangladesh. KL Rahul needed an injection, he has started rehab and is at the NCA."
