India is all set to play a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka starting today. The team is without some of its senior players, and Hardik Pandya has been handed the captaincy mantle in Rohit Sharma’s absence. Rishabh Pant, the team’s star wicketkeeper-batter, is also out due to a serious car accident on December 30th.
Hardik Pandya told the press on the eve of the T20I series against Sri Lanka in Mumbai that he expects a lot of young players to get opportunities in Pant’s absence. The 25-year-old wicketkeeper is expected to be sidelined for at least a few months after sustaining a ligament tear in his right knee, as well as injuries to his wrist, ankle, and toe, as well as bruises on his back, in a car accident.
“What happened is very unfortunate, no one can control such things. As a team, we wish all the best, our love and prayers are always with him. Wish him a speedy recovery,” Hardik said.
There are a lot of people who can get opportunities: Hardik Pandya
Pandya emphasised that Pant was an important part of India’s plans for the ODI World Cup and that his absence will open up opportunities for others. Pant is expected to miss the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in February-March and the Indian T20 League in 2023.
“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. 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,” he added.
Pant also had plastic surgery to treat cuts on his forehead, but the aggressive cricketer is safe and sound. His car collided with a divider on the Delhi-Dehradun highway and rolled over to the other side before catching fire.
Pant apparently lost control of his car in the early hours of Friday while attempting to avoid a pothole before crashing into the divider. He had to smash the windscreen and jump out of his car to avoid serious injuries in a near-fatal accident.
