IPL: Pant declared fit as wicketkeeper-batter, Shami ruled out

NEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter

Rishabh Pant

was declared fit by the Indian cricket board (

BCCI

) for the upcoming 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) that starts on March 22.
On Tuesday, BCCI posted on X: After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30th, 2022, Rishabh Pant has now been declared fit as a wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming #TATA @IPL 2024"

But

Mohammed Shami

was ruled out of the tournament.

The Board issued the following medical and fitness updates:
"After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30th, 2022, near Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Rishabh Pant has now been declared fit as a wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming TATA IPL 2024," BCCI said on Pant.
On Mohammed Shami, the BCCI said, "The fast bowler successfully underwent surgery on February 26th, 2024, for his right heel problem. He is currently being monitored by the BCCI medical team and is ruled out of the upcoming TATA IPL 2024."

"The fast bowler underwent surgery on February 23rd, 2024, on his left proximal quadriceps tendon. He is currently being monitored by the BCCI Medical Team and will resume rehab at the National Cricket Academy soon. He will not be able to take part in the upcoming TATA IPL 2024," the board said Prasidh Krishna.
Pant has represented Delhi Capitals since 2016 and scored 2,838 runs in 98 matches at an average of 34.61 and a strike rate of over 147, with a century and 15 fifties to his name.
On Monday, Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting had provided insights into the team's plans for the return of Pant.
Ponting revealed the team's perspective, stating, "It's a big decision we'll have to make because if he is fit, you'd think he'd step straight back into that captaincy role." He added, "If he's not entirely fit and we have to use him in a slightly different role, then we've got some decisions to make there."
Assessing Pant's progress, Ponting noted, "He's actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us."
Ponting expressed confidence in Pant's physical readiness, asserting, "He's kept in one of those games, he's fielded in these games and the batting hasn't seemingly been an issue for him so far."
IPL 2024 will get underway on March 22, with defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) set to clash with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at MA Chidambaram Stadium.