Rishabh Pant likely to return in Indian colors against Afghanistan, might play domestic cricket too

India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant might make a comeback in a T20I series against Afghanistan. Notably, in the last few months, he has been anticipated to return against England next year. However, given his recovery, the left-hander might play against the Afghans in what is a postponed series. Meanwhile, after the ongoing World Cup, Australia, and Afghanistan will play a T20I series each in India.

Notably, he has missed the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy due to lack of fitness but might play the longer format at the domestic level. Since last December, the wicketkeeper batter has been missed in the Indian cricket. It will be interesting to see how he makes a comeback.

“It’s still early days. It’s good that he has been batting in the nets. But he still needs some more time. He will have to go back to domestic cricket and gain the confidence back. Probably, if everything goes well, a return could be possible against Afghanistan. But again, it’s not certain yet,” a senior Indian Cricket Board official told InsideSport.

Rishabh Pant Injury Timeline

• December 2022: Rishabh Pant horrific car accident on December 30, 2022.
• January 2023: Pant is airlifted to Mumbai for further treatment at the Kokilaben hospital.
• February 2023: Pant undergoes knee ligament reconstruction surgery in Mumbai under Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala
• February 2023: Rishabh Pant returns home after spending nearly 45 days in hospital.
• April 2023: Pant attends DC vs GT IPL match in Delhi, making first public appearance since the accident.
• April 2023: First time since his accident, Pant begins walking without support at the NCA.
• June 2023: Pant continues gym sessions with Team India players.
• August 2023: Rishabh Pant continues his recovery but bats for the first time in public eyes.
• September: Misses both Asia Cup and World Cup as recovery continues.
• October 2023: More positive news on recovery but still not fit to play in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.