On Friday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gave an official update on the injuries of various Indian cricketers, who are currently completing their rehab programs at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. They revealed that Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Prasidh Krishna are doing pretty well.
On the other hand, one big revelation made by the BCCI medical team was related to the recovery of star wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant after his successful surgery in April. It was learned that the 25-year-old has shown a great deal of progress.
Furthermore, they also revealed the 25-year-old has also started batting and wicketkeeping practice. Pant suffered a car accident in December 2022 while traveling back to his hometown of Roorkee from Delhi to celebrate the New Year with his family. He lost control of the car, which hit the divider and caught fire.
Luckily, Pant escaped from the car with the help of the locals. He has been out of the game since then. However, some media reports confirm that the BCCI is planning Pant’s comeback in the five-match test series against England in January–February 2024.
According to InsideSport, a BCCI source told TOI, “Perhaps, a realistic target for Pant would be the five-Test home series against England in January-February next year.” Earlier, the BCCI confirmed, “Pant has made significant progress. He is currently following a fitness programme designed for him which includes strength, flexibility and running.”
Team India has certainly missed the 25-year-old in recent times. During this period, he missed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home, the entire IPL season, and the final of the World Test Championship. India has tried a number of wicketkeepers across formats in his absence.
Pant will also miss two big upcoming events: the Asia Cup 2023 and the 2023 ODI World Cup. Though no one can replace him in the team, his news of recovering well has certainly given hope for the team. With the new WTC cycle, Pant can provide India with a great balance. After the West Indies Tests, India will play two tests in South Africa in December and January, which will be followed by five tests against England.
