The Indian cricket team has badly missed the presence of star keeper-batter Rishabh Pant in the team. Pant survived a near-fatal accident on December 31st, 2020 where he suffered multiple injuries and he has been out of the game ever since then. While everyone is waiting for his comeback, however, according to the veteran Indian bowler Ishant Sharma, Pant’s return to international cricket might take longer than the expected time.
Rishabh Pant’s Comeback Will Take Longer Than Expected
Pant underwent surgery after sustaining multiple injuries and he has been on the road to recovery. According to the latest medical update by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pant has commenced batting and keeping in the nets and is following a prescribed fitness regime.
Meanwhile, speaking to Jio Cinema, Ishant Sharma shared his thoughts on the expected return of Pant back to competitive cricket. He said that since he suffered some really serious injuries, his return might take longer than expected. He even claimed that Pant might also miss the next season of the Indian Premier League. He said:
“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 Is Hopeful About His Return In IPL 2024
Further, Ishant Sharma also said that he is not expecting Rishabh Pant to be fit for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 adding that he is hopeful for his return in IPL 2024. He said:
“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”
It has to be noted, Delhi Capitals finished ninth under David Warner’s captaincy in IPL 2023, in the absence of regular captain Rishabh Pant. Pant played his last competitive game for India in December 2022 in Dhaka before his accident.
