The mere mention of Rishabh Pant in a T20 World Cup discussion is enough to electrify fans, and legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar has thrown his weight behind the wicketkeeper-batsman’s potential return to the Indian squad. Despite missing action since a late 2022 accident, Pant remains a tantalizing prospect for the 2024 World Cup. Sunil Gavaskar, on Star Sports after India’s T20I loss to South Africa, declared Pant an “impact player” who needs no form checks before earning his World Cup ticket.

“He shows his fitness in the IPL. Four months to go, he plays, and if he plays the whole season without injury, he walks into the team even if he scores one run or no runs at all,” Sunil Gavaskar asserted. “He’s a game-changer, and I’d pick him among the first couple if I was a selector.”

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Sunil Gavaskar’s bold statement underscores Pant’s unique status as a match-winner. His 360° batting and aggressive intent have the power to single-handedly shift momentum, a quality invaluable in the high-pressure arena of the World Cup.

While Rishabh Pant’s form remains a question mark, his upcoming stint with the Delhi Capitals in the IPL will be a crucial litmus test. A full season without injury, even with modest runs, could be enough to solidify Gavaskar’s prediction and propel Pant back onto the World Cup stage.

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However, the road to the World Cup isn’t without its challenges. India’s batting, despite Rinku Singh’s impressive half-century and Suryakumar Yadav’s usual flair, failed to defend a respectable total against South Africa’s aggressive batting. The bowling attack, too, looked pedestrian, raising concerns about the team’s overall balance.

Pant’s return, if it materializes, will undoubtedly inject a much-needed dose of explosiveness and unpredictability. But with plenty of time and competition ahead, his World Cup journey remains a fascinating story in the making.