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Shah also mentioned that Mohammed Shami is expected to return only in September, while KL Rahul is still waiting for clearance to join LSG.
Rishabh Pant, who will make his long-awaited return to the IPL later this month, can play the T20 World Cup for India “if he can retain (the wicket),” BCCI secretary Jay Shah said. Pant has been out of action since a horrific car accident in December 2022.
“He is batting well, he is holding well. We will declare him fit very soon,” Shah told PTI. “If he can play the T20 World Cup for us, it will be a very important thing for us. He is a big asset for us. If he can stay, he can play the World Cup. Let’s see how he does in the IPL.”
The accident left Pant with a serious injury to his right knee that required ligament reconstruction surgery in addition to a fractured wrist and ankle.
His head coach at Delhi Capitals, Ricky Ponting, had already said that Pant would play the IPL. Last month, Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal told ESPNcricinfo that Pant has “started taking care of wickets”. Jindal also said that Pant was likely to “be fully fit for the IPL” and that he expected Pant to “lead from the first match”.
Shami is expected to return later this year.
Fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who is recovering from ankle surgery, is expected to return during the home Test series against Bangladesh later this year, Shah said. Shami underwent right Achilles tendon surgery in London in February.
Shami missed the five-match Test series against England and will also be ruled out of the IPL. He last played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he had an outstanding performance. India will host Bangladesh for two Tests and three T20 internationals in September.
“Shami’s surgery is done; he is back in India,” Shah said. “Shami is likely to return for the home series against Bangladesh. KL Rahul needed an injection, he has started rehabilitation and is in the NCA.”
Rahul missed the last four Tests of the England series after complaining of pain in his right quadriceps. He is expected to play for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, after undergoing treatment in London. However, it is understood that Rahul is still awaiting clearance to join Super Giants.