Rishabh Pant set to return to international cricket after car accident injuries
Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is set to make a remarkable comeback to international cricket after a life-threatening car accident last year. Pant, who required reconstruction surgery on a ligament in his right knee and also suffered injuries to his back and head in the crash, has been included in India’s T20 World Cup squad.
The 26-year-old has been in fine form in the ongoing Indian Premier League, scoring 398 runs in 11 matches with a high score of 88 not out. His return to the national team will be a huge boost as India gear up to face Ireland in their World Cup campaign on 5 June.
India’s T20 World Cup squad, led by Rohit Sharma, also includes the likes of Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was the player of the series in India’s Test series win against England, has also been selected in the squad.
Notably, Pant’s return to the squad comes at the expense of KL Rahul, who has been omitted entirely, with Sanju Samson preferred as the wicketkeeper. Pant’s inclusion is a testament to his determination and resilience in overcoming the challenges posed by the accident.
India will play all their matches in the initial group stage in the United States, with a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan scheduled for 9 June in New York. With Pant’s return, the Indian team will be looking to make a strong statement in the T20 World Cup and aim for glory on the global stage.