Rishabh Pant withdraws himself from major tournament a day after BCCI clearance for professional cricket

Rishabh Pant has said he is not thinking too much ahead when asked about his participation in this year’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The wicketkeeper-batsman will make his return to competitive cricket later this month in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The BCCI, on Tuesday (March 12), announced that he has been cleared by the medical team to return to action in IPL 2024.

Rishabh Pant has not played a competitive game since the tour of Bangladesh in December 2022. Towards the end of the same month, he was involved in a horrific car accident and suffered multiple injuries. He miraculously avoided a career-ending injury and had to undergo several surgeries before going to the National Cricket Academy for an extensive rehab program.

Rishabh Pant on participation in T20 World Cup:

Rishabh Pant was recently asked about the T20 World Cup and his participation in the tournament. The marquee event is scheduled to be played in June, right after the conclusion of IPL 2024. And while many expect the star wicketkeeper to be a part of the Indian team for the World Cup, Rishabh Pant has made it clear that he is not thinking about it and is only focused on his return to the IPL for the time being.

“We will see when we get to March 23 (Delhi Capitals’ first match). I also don’t know how to react. I don’t know what kind of feeling it will be. I am trying to enjoy this. I don’t want to stress too much. I try not to get too much ahead of myself but I do think about the possibilities – both positive and negative,” Rishabh Pant told TOI.

I try to filter that and keep working with a positive mindset. I love my fans and I can’t deny the concern they have shown for me. I felt I was family to everyone. When I used to travel, I met people at airports. I was made to feel so comfortable. All the ‘didis’ who work at the airport, they would ask, ‘Beta, aap theek ho na (son, are you doing well)?’ I can’t express the emotion when I
received this kind of love,” he added.

IPL 2024 is scheduled to be played from March 22. Reigning champions Chennai Super Kings will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament opener while Delhi Capitals will play their first game against Punjab Kings on March 23.

Meanwhile, the T20 World Cup is scheduled to be played from June 1 to 29. India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA. The Men in Blue will open their campaign against Ireland on June 5. The