In a recent discussion on Colors Cineplex, former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan expressed skepticism about the possibility of Rishabh Pant making it to India’s T20 World Cup squad later this year, even if the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman performs exceptionally well in the upcoming IPL 2024.
Pant, who has been on the sidelines since a serious car accident in December 2022, is anticipated to make a comeback with the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2024. However, uncertainties loom over whether he will resume his wicketkeeping duties or focus solely on batting.
Zaheer Khan, renowned for his left-arm pace and cricketing acumen, was queried about Pant’s chances of T20 World Cup selection based on a successful IPL stint. He responded with a nuanced evaluation of Pant’s journey and the challenges he faces on the road to recovery.
“If you see Rishabh Pant’s journey, the turn he has gone through is not easy for any player. Firstly, everyone who is attached to cricket will be happy once he comes back on the field. He has a lot of hurdles to cross,” said Khan, acknowledging the adversity Pant has overcome.
The former cricketer emphasized the difficulty of making a swift return to top-level cricket, citing the need for Pant to readjust and rediscover his rhythm. Khan noted, “Firstly, he has to come back and play. It’s not easy at this level. You need to get used to it and get the rhythm back. Those things might take time. It’s great if it doesn’t. However, keeping all things in mind, even if he has a very good IPL, I don’t think the team will be thinking in that direction.”
Khan shed light on the meticulous planning that goes into selecting squads for major tournaments like the T20 World Cup, emphasizing the need for foresight and consistency. The statement implies that, despite a potential standout performance in the IPL, Pant’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup might not align with the team’s pre-established plans.
As fans eagerly await Pant’s return to the cricketing arena, the debate surrounding his T20 World Cup prospects adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming IPL season, where the Delhi Capitals’ explosive batsman will aim to make a resounding impact and stake his claim for a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad.
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