Rishabh Pant has begun keeping wickets and batting as per BCCI medical update.
Veteran India pacer Ishant Sharma has said that talented wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is not expected to get fully match-fit in time for the ICC World Cup 2023 which begins in India on October 5.
The young wicketkeeper-batsman was involved in a car accident that left him with multiple injuries last tear. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reported that Pant had suffered cuts on his forehead, a ligament tear in his right knee, and abrasions on his back. He also sustained injuries to his right wrist, ankle, and toe.
Since the accident, Pant has been trying his level best to get back into shape. His injuries took a long time to heal requiring extensive medical attention and rehabilitation. The ligament tear in his right knee required surgery and is extremely concerning given that he keeps wickets for India and bats.
However, Pant remained undeterred, displaying the same tenacity and determination that have characterized his cricketing career.
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Videos of his progress towards full fitness have been viral on social media and recently in a medical update, the BCCI revealed that Pant had started keeping wickets and batting in nets at the NCA in Bengaluru.
However, Ishant Sharma has opined that Rishabh Pant will not be ready for the upcoming World Cup 2023 and might not even play in the IPL 2024 given the severity of his injuries.
“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,” said Ishant on JioCinema.
“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 added.
India will play their first match of the World Cup on October 8th against Australia.