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There are strong indications of Rishabh Pant making a comeback for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The southpaw appears to be recovering swiftly from a severe car accident that occurred in December 2022. Despite concerns about his ability to withstand the physical demands of wicket-keeping, Pant’s potential return to IPL action is generating significant buzz.
Sunil Gavaskar’s criteria for T20 World Cup selection
Speaking to Star Sports, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has outlined the essential criteria for Pant to secure a spot in the India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the USA. The 74-year-old emphasized that Pant, being an impact player, would walk back into the national team if he successfully completes the entire IPL without any injuries. According to Gavaskar, Pant’s selection would be based on his fitness and availability rather than his performances in the franchise league.
“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,” Gavaskar said.
Also READ: Rishabh Pant gears up for a comeback in IPL 2024; Delhi Capitals shares insights into his potential role – Report
Rishabh Pant’s game-changing abilities
Gavaskar further highlighted Pant’s status as a game-changer in cricket. The Indian legend expressed confidence that if he were a selector, Pant would be among the first few picks for the T20 World Cup squad.
“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,” the Mumbai-born cricketer concluded.
T20I performance and room for improvement
While Pant has excelled in Test cricket, his T20I performances have been less stellar. Even before the unfortunate incident, the 26-year-old struggled to make a mark in T20 internationals. With a modest average of 22.43, he scored 987 runs at a strike rate of 126.37 in 66 T20I matches. The stats indicate an area for improvement in Pant’s T20 performances, and his potential inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad would likely depend on finding his form in the upcoming IPL and addressing any lingering concerns about his consistency in the shortest format.
