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Xtra Time Web Desk: The India Cricket Team has been hit with a major setback as their best wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant, will be out of action for another 6-7 months, making it impossible for him to play in the ICC World Cup 2023. Pant had suffered a severe injury in a car accident in December 2022, and his recovery has been slow. He underwent surgery to repair his three torn ligaments, and he is currently on crutches, with walking still some time away.

The team has turned to KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan as the two wicket-keeping options in ODI for the World Cup. However, there are concerns about Pant's future as a keeper. With three reconstructed ligaments, it is still unsure whether he will be able to keep wickets, as it puts a lot of stress on the knee. The squatting position required for keeping wickets may take longer to recover from.

With Pant's future as a keeper-batter uncertain, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already begun preparing for the T20 World Cup 2024. Sanju Samson has been included in the BCCI Central Contracts, along with Ishan Kishan. KS Bharat is also being backed, while KL Rahul is slowly adapting to the new role of wicketkeeper-batter.

In conclusion, the absence of Rishabh Pant will be a major blow to the India Cricket Team's chances in the ICC World Cup 2023. However, with the team having other options, they will need to adapt and work towards finding a way to make up for his absence. The preparation for the T20 World Cup 2024 shows that the BCCI is already planning for the future, looking to build a strong team that can compete at the highest level.