Rishabh Pant’s return to international cricket has been nothing short of phenomenal. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter, fresh off a long injury layoff, impressed once again with a fiery knock of 20 runs from just 11 balls against Afghanistan in the team’s opening Super 8 clash at the T20 World Cup 2024.
Stepping up when openers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were struggling, Pant displayed an aggressive approach, reminding everyone of his match-winning abilities. Former Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar couldn’t help but sing Pant’s praises, particularly highlighting his remarkable recovery and newfound fitness.
Speaking on Star Sports after India’s victory, Sunil Gavaskar expressed his admiration for Pant’s agility and commitment on the field. “His mobility has been very impressive,” Gavaskar said. “It shows he’s put in some serious work on his fitness. We were all incredibly worried after his accident, but his recovery has been nothing short of miraculous.”
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Gavaskar pointed out Pant’s impressive catches during the match, mentioning his willingness to chase down balls and ensure secure dismissals even with experienced fielders like Rohit Sharma present.
“Those were textbook catches,” he added. “He recognized the situation and took charge, utilizing the wicketkeeper’s glove advantage.” While acknowledging Pant’s attacking style and the positive impact it has on the team’s momentum, Sunil Gavaskar acknowledged the need for continued development. “He’s still young, and maturity will come with experience,” he said. “We’ve seen it with Hardik Pandya, and we’ll see it in Rishabh too. Understanding conditions and making smart decisions will be crucial.”
Despite praising his aggressive approach, Sunil Gavaskar also noted Pant’s dismissal, where he attempted a risky reverse sweep against Rashid Khan.
“He won’t shy away from attacking shots, and that’s what makes him so dangerous for bowlers,” Sunil Gavaskar explained. “While 20 runs off 10 balls is a great strike rate at that stage of the innings, he might need to pick his moments a bit better in the future.”
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With his impressive show against Afghanistan, Pant has solidified his position as a vital cog in the Indian batting line-up. While room for growth remains, his rapid recovery and impactful performances have sent a strong message. As Gavaskar suggests, Pant’s maturity as a batsman will continue to develop, making him an even more formidable force in international cricket.
