Rishabh Pant has been named to the Indian cricket team’s 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, despite suffering serious injuries in a car crash last December. The wicketkeeper batsman, who has a strong record in T20 internationals with 987 runs in 66 matches, is set to make his return to the game with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Despite questions about his lack of recent professional outings, India’s selectors have shown faith in Pant and have named him as part of their squad for the tournament. The team is led by Rohit Sharma, who will be joined by Hardik Pandya as his deputy. In addition to Pant, power-hitter Rinku Singh was named among the four reserve players.
The opening spot for the team will be filled by Yashasvi Jaiswal instead of Shubman Gill, while Shivam Dube will be included in the main squad. India has a strong bowling attack led by pace bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh, supported by spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are also part of the spin bowling contingency.
India made it to the semifinals of the T20 World Cup two years ago in Australia and will begin their campaign this year against Ireland in Group A before facing arch-rivals Pakistan in a highly anticipated match. The squad also includes Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson among others. The reserves include Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan.
Pant’s inclusion was met with excitement from fans on social media after he suffered multiple injuries