After a year-long absence from the Indian cricket team due to a near-fatal car crash, Rishabh Pant has triumphantly returned to the fold. The wicketkeeper-batter, who suffered severe injuries in the December 2022 accident, has made a successful comeback to competitive cricket with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. Pant’s inclusion in the 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination.
Despite missing out on recent international outings, Pant’s impressive track record of 987 runs in 66 T20 internationals has convinced selectors to place their faith in him. Rohit Sharma will lead India’s charge for a second T20 World Cup title, with Hardik Pandya as his deputy.
The squad boasts a formidable batting lineup, including stalwarts Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav, as well as emerging star Yashasvi Jaiswal, who will open the innings alongside Sharma. The bowling department is equally strong, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh forming a potent pace attack. Ravichandran Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal comprise a formidable spin quartet.
India’s World Cup campaign will begin on June 5th with a match against Ireland in Group A. The highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan is scheduled for four days later. The team’s goal is to reach the semifinals, as they did two years ago in Australia, where they were ultimately defeated by England.
