T20 World Cup: Mohammad Shami to Sit Out, Rishabh Pant Gears Up for Return

Indian cricket’s star pacer, Mohammad Shami, recently underwent successful surgery for an ankle injury, ruling him out of participation in IPL 2024. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that Shami will also be absent from the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Additionally, a significant update has been provided regarding Rishabh Pant.

Shami’s Road to Recovery

Mohammad Shami successfully underwent surgery for his ankle injury, signaling his road to recovery. Unfortunately, this means he won’t be able to participate in IPL 2024 and, as confirmed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, he won’t be featuring in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 either. Shami is set to make his return to the field during the home series against Bangladesh.

Rishabh Pant’s Green Light for World Cup

Media reports suggest that Shami will make his comeback during the home series against Bangladesh. While Shami and Rishabh Pant won’t be part of IPL 2024 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Jay Shah has given a positive update on Pant’s status. Shah stated that Pant is performing well with the bat, and his fitness is on track. Shah expressed optimism, saying, “We will declare him fit soon. If he can keep wickets, he can play in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. However, we will assess his performance in IPL 2024 first.”

Shami’s Impactful Performance in ODI World Cup 2023

Mohammad Shami made a significant impact during the ODI World Cup 2023. Despite missing the initial four matches, he seized the opportunity after Hardik Pandya’s injury and left an indelible mark on the tournament. However, since then, Shami has been away from the cricket field, nursing an ankle injury. He underwent surgery in the UK, and the successful procedure has put him on the path to recovery.

Jay Shah’s Statement on Shami and Pant

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah provided an update on both Shami and Pant. Regarding Shami, he mentioned, “Shami’s surgery was successful. He has returned to India and is likely to make a comeback in the home series against Bangladesh.” However, the news about Shami not participating in the upcoming IPL and T20 World Cup is disheartening for his fans.

On the other hand, Shah had positive words for Rishabh Pant, saying, “If Rishabh Pant can manage wicketkeeping duties, he may play in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. We are closely monitoring his performance and will declare him fit soon.” Pant is set to make a comeback for Delhi in IPL 2024, marking his return to the cricketing arena after nearly a year.

While the absence of Shami is a setback for Indian cricket fans, the potential return of Rishabh Pant is a source of hope. Fans eagerly await Pant’s performance in IPL 2024 and subsequent confirmation of his participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, as India aims to field a formidable team for the global T20 tournament.