Rishabh Pant Plays First Full Game Since Injury, Set for IPL Return

Bengaluru: Indian cricket fans received encouraging news as wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant returned to the playing field, playing his first full game since his 2022 car accident. Pant showcased improvement during a warm-up match near Bengaluru, marking a positive step in his recovery journey. However, as reported by Cricbuzz, Pant will play solely as a specialist batter initially, with wicket-keeping duties postponed due to ongoing rehabilitation.

The highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) is scheduled to commence on March 22, confirmed by league chairman Arun Dhumal to PTI. Despite the coinciding general elections in April and May, the entire IPL season will be held in India. The complete schedule is pending the announcement of election dates, with the first 15 days’ fixtures set for release first.

In the history of IPL, only the 2009 edition was held entirely overseas (South Africa), while the 2014 season partially took place in the UAE due to general elections. Notably, the 2019 IPL proceeded in India despite election schedules.

Anticipating the T20 World Cup, scheduled shortly after the IPL, the final is likely to be held on May 26. India’s World Cup journey begins on June 5 against Ireland in New York, with the ICC event starting with a USA vs. Canada match on June 1.

Traditionally, the IPL opener features the previous year’s finalists, with the Chennai Super Kings and the Gujarat Titans set to kick off the 2024 season.