Hardik Pandya, India’s T20 captain, believes Rishabh Pant’s presence would have had a significant influence on the Indian squad and stated that he was very much a part of the preparations for the ICC World Cup 2023.
Rishabh Pant, India’s wicket-keeper batsman, avoided a near-fatal accident on Friday with burn burns and other ailments that would need reconstructive surgery, and he might be evacuated to Delhi if necessary. On Friday, he was returning from Delhi to Roorkee when his automobile crashed with the barrier on the Narsan boundary of Roorkee near Hammadpur Jhal.
“Coming to the point, obviously he was a very important part of (Team India’s plans in the world Cup year). But, now everyone knows the situation,” said India’s T20 captain Hardik Pandya about Rishabh Pant.
ICC Under-19 World Cup 2016 captain Ishan Kishan, who recently scored a double ton against Bangladesh in the third ODI in Chattogram, could be considered a replacement. During his knock in Bangladesh, Ishan Kishan broke the record of Chris Gayle for the fastest double ton in ODIs.
Sanju Samson is also in the fray to fill in the shoes of Pant while KL Rahul also contributes as a wicket-keeper.
“There are a lot of people who can get opportunities. I am seeing that if Rishabh also would have been there, he could have made a huge impact. But now, let’s wait and see what the future holds for us,” said Hardik Pandya.
The tragedy occurred as the batsman was driving from Delhi to Roorkee, and his automobile collided with the barrier on the Narsan boundary of Roorkee near Hammadpur Jhal.\
Rishabh has two cuts on his forehead, a ligament rupture in his right knee, and injuries to his right wrist, ankle, and toe, as well as abrasions on his back, according to a statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Rishabh’s health is stable, and he has been transferred to Max Hospital in Dehradun, where MRI scans will be performed to determine the extent of his injuries and to plan his next course of treatment.
Pant has played in 33 Test matches for India, amassing 2271 runs at an average of 43.67. He has five Test tonnes to his record, with his top score being 159 not out. Pant’s career stats include 119 catches and 14 stumpings.
He has 865 runs in 30 ODIs at an average of 34.60, five half-centuries, and one tonne with a strike rate of 106.65. Pant has 26 catches and one stumping to his name with the gloves.
The wicket-keeper hitter has 987 runs with three half-centuries in 66 T20Is at an average of 22.43 and a strike rate of 126.37.
