Rishabh Pant set to rejoin India for T20 World Cup

Rishabh Pant, aged 26, is poised to make a remarkable comeback to international cricket after a life-threatening car accident. He has been selected for India’s T20 World Cup squad, marking his return since sustaining serious injuries in the December 2022 crash. Pant showcased his form and resilience in the ongoing Indian Premier League, accumulating 398 runs in 11 matches, with a notable unbeaten 88.

India kicks off their World Cup campaign against Ireland on 5 June, with all initial group stage matches held in the United States, alongside co-hosts West Indies. The highlight fixture includes a much-anticipated clash with arch-rivals Pakistan in New York on Sunday, 9 June.

In other team news, Rohit Sharma will lead India’s squad, with Hardik Pandya serving as his vice-captain. Yashasvi Jaiswal, the player of the series in India’s Test series win against England earlier this year, has also been included.

Virat Kohli makes a return to the squad, while Jasprit Bumrah leads the frontline pace bowlers alongside Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj. India’s touring party includes four spinners: Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Shubman Gill finds himself on the list of reserve players, while wicketkeeper KL Rahul has been omitted, with Sanju Samson preferred instead.