Ex-IND cricketer encourages Rishabh Pant's IPL return, eager to select 'gamechanger' in T20 WC squad

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has claimed that Rishabh Pant will be able to walk into the Indian Cricket Team if he is able to prove his fitness in IPL. Pant has been on the road to recovery and is making a steady progress, which is a positive sign for the Team.

3 Things you need to know 

• Pant is expected to play the upcoming IPL 2024
• Gavaskar claimed that Pant should be a part of the T20 World Cup squad 2024
• Pant's entry into the Indian squad can be a complete gamechanger 

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Sunil Gavaskar's opinion on Rishabh Pant

According to Sunil Gavaskar, if Rishabh Pant can demonstrate his fitness in the IPL 2024 and has no setback with injuries, he will return to the Indian T20 World Cup squad for the following year. While speaking to Star Sports, Gavaskar mentioned that Pant might come into IPL as an impact player. He added that if he completes the tournament without sustaining any injuries, his chances of getting into the Indian Team squad for the T20 World Cup is bright as day. The batting legend would've chose him as a priority pick of he was the selector.  

"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

Pant had been through a horrific car crash in 2022

Rishabh Pant sustained severe injuries in a terrible car accident last year, and he has been sidelined as he heals. Reports suggest that the Indian wicketkeeper has resumed batting practice and is handling deliveries that are faster than 140 kmph. Pant has been improving steadily. While it unclear if he would take up his wicketkeeping duties, his comeback to the game is much awaited.

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Rishabh Pant's much awaited comeback 

It is anticipated as of late 2023 that he would be fully recovered by the end of February 2024. This paves the way for Pant, who missed the entire 2023 season, to make a huge comeback and maybe lead  Delhi Capitals in the IPL in 2024.

DC's director of cricket, Sourav Ganguly, has stated that Pant will be back in time to captain the team in the 2024 Indian Premier League. The IPL 2024 will be significant for Pant because of the impending T20 World Cup.