Rishabh Pant: India wicketkeeper set to return to cricket in 2024 Indian Premier League

Rishabh Pant last represented India in December 2022

Rishabh Pant is set to make his return to cricket in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) after over a year out of the game.

India wicketkeeper Pant, 26, was seriously hurt in a car crash in December 2022.

Reports in India said he suffered injuries to his head, back and leg.

Pant, who is captain of his IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, could play solely as a batter in next year's tournament if not cleared to keep.

"If he is not keeping, he will definitely be on the field and will lead the side," a Capitals official told Cricbuzz.

Delhi finished ninth in the table in Pant's absence in the 2023 tournament, which was won by Chennai Super Kings.

Pant's last outing came in India's Test against Bangladesh between 22-25 December, days before the crash occurred.

He has played 33 Tests, 30 one-day internationals and 66 T20s for India.

Before the IPL, India play three T20s against Afghanistan, two Tests against South Africa and five Tests against England between January and March.

The IPL, the world's biggest franchise T20 competition, usually takes place between March and May.