Sunil Gavaskar said that Rishabh Pant is expected to rejoin India's T20 World Cup squad next year if he can prove his fitness during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 and avoid any injury setbacks.
Pant had faced a serious car crash last year, leading to his absence from the game as he focused on recovering from injuries. Recent reports suggest that he has resumed batting practice and is handling deliveries exceeding 140 kmph, signalling positive progress. While the certainty of his return as a wicketkeeper remains unclear, there is considerable anticipation surrounding Pant's potential comeback to cricket.
As of late 2023, there is optimism that Pant will fully recover by the end of February 2024. This paves the way for Pant to potentially captain the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL 2024, marking a significant comeback after being absent for the entire 2023 season.
The director of cricket for DC Sourav Ganguly has affirmed that Pant will make a timely return to lead the team in the IPL 2024. Considering the impending T20 World Cup, the IPL 2024 holds great significance for Pant.
However, Gavaskar believes that Pant should be included in the squad for the tournament only if he can prove his fitness during the IPL.
"Yeah, he walks back into the team. He's an impact player. He shows his fitness in the IPL. Four months to go for the IPL. He plays the IPL. Whatever he does at the IPL. If he plays the whole IPL without any injury setback, then he walks into the team. Whether he scores one run or no runs at all in the IPL. I think he is a game-changer. He would be one of the first couple of picks if I was a selector," said Gavaskar.
In an interview with Star Sports, the cricket legend from India expressed that Pant would easily make a return to the national team due to his impactful playing style. Gavaskar emphasised that if Pant manages to complete the entire IPL without any injuries, he would be included in the T20 World Cup squad, regardless of his performance in the franchise league.
The Indian cricket icon further said that the 26-year-old is a game-changer and would be among the top selections for the T20 World Cup if he were part of the selection committee.
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