Rishabh Pant injured? Wicketkeeper misses training session ahead of crucial T20 World Cup game vs Afghanistan

Team India stars sweated it out in the nets on Tuesday (June 18) ahead of the crucial game against Afghanistan in the Super 8s of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.

There was, however, a notable absentee in the practice session. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was nowhere to be seen on the field as his teammates trained for the upcoming game. The reason behind the absence is not known yet. Rishabh Pant is in fine form at the moment and Indian team management will be hoping that the wicketkeeper-batsman remains absolutely fit for the big game against Afghanistan.

He is currently India's leading run-scorer in the ongoing T20 World Cup. While no other Indian batsman has even managed to touch the 70-run mark so far, Rishabh Pant has scored 96 runs in 3 games while batting at number three.

After scoring a half-century in the warm-up game against Bangladesh, the Delhi star scored an unbeaten 36 against Ireland in India's first game of the tournament. He followed it up with a crucial 42-run knock during the 6-run win over Pakistan before getting out for 18 against the USA.

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Before the T20 World Cup, Rishabh Pant had impressed in the IPL as well. IPL 2024 marked his return to competitive cricket after more than a year and the star batter hit the ground running. In 13 games, he scored 446 runs and finished the season as Delhi Capitals' highest run-scorer.

In case, Rishabh Pant misses the upcoming game against Afghanistan, he is likely to be replaced by Sanju Samson. Samson is the only other wicketkeeping option in the India squad. The right-handed batsman played in the warm-up game against Bangladesh and was out for just 1. He is yet to play a game in the T20 World Cup.

India looks to continue winning run:

In-form Team India will be looking to continue their winning run when they take on Afghanistan in their first Super 8s game. India are in Group 1 alongside Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia. With two of the four teams to qualify for the semifinals, India will be looking to avoid any slipup against Afghanistan. The game is scheduled to be played on Thursday (June 20) in Barbados.