Rishabh Pant Likely To Be Match Fit During India vs England Test Series At Home

New Delhi: India’s wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant is expected to be match-fit during the home test series against Ben Stokes-led England, which is going to be played from January 25 to March 11 in 2024, but his return is likely to be during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, the Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI) is looking for long-term goals, according to a report.

“Pant’s recovery has been on point, in fact better than expected. The concern was how the knee and ankle would react after the injury. Especially the knee after ligament tears and surgeries. Both ankle and knee engagement has been on point and that was a big positive considering they are going to bear a lot of load during wicketkeeping. The load on the body will be gradually increased now and running at 100% intensity is likely to begin from next week,” says a source close to developments.

Rishabh Pant is expected to be match fit during England Test series but his return is likely to be during IPL as BCCI is looking for long term goal. [News18] pic.twitter.com/yLTiIVQ2yK

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 16, 2023

“As I said, running – ground and on the treadmill – has begun but it’s not high intensity yet. Say 80-90% but not full intensity yet. There are sessions on the spin bike too but right now it’s more about getting the body ready for those pressure tests – high intensity training and match simulations. So lifting and muscle work has also begun to add strength. He has started compound exercises, the ones which work on multiple muscle groups at the same time, and lot of attention is being paid to lower-body strength and conditioning,” informs a well-placed source.

“Don’t be surprised if Pant becomes ready around the England Tests. But even if he does, the NCA is likely to use the shortest format to ease him back into action. Just like they did with Bumrah who first played T20Is vs Ireland before playing the 50-over format. The manner in which both NCA and BCCI handled Pandya and Bumrah, similar approach will be followed with Pant. The bigger picture and complete fitness of Pant is important. So IPL looks like a viable option for now,” adds the source.