Rishabh Pant’s Remarkable Comeback Ahead of T20 World Cup
After a challenging 14-month hiatus due to a near-fatal accident in December 2022, Rishabh Pant has made a triumphant return to competitive cricket.
His absence led to him missing out on several significant tournaments, including the IPL 2023, World Test Championship 2023 Final, and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
In the latest edition of the ICC Review, Delhi Capitals coach and ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting provides insights on how wicket-keeper/batter Rishabh Pant will reintegrate into the IPL setup.
Now 26, Pant has returned to peak fitness after completing a full season with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.
Pant expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support he received from fans across India after Delhi’s final game of the season against the Lucknow Supergiants.
“The kind of support I got from all of India was heartening to see,” Pant told the broadcasters after Delhi’s last game of the season. “Wherever I went to play, I received support from everyone. That was really good to see.”
Despite taking a few games to shake off the rust, Pant quickly regained his form, emerging as his team’s top run-scorer with 446 runs in 13 matches at an impressive strike rate of 155.40.
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Pant’s stellar performance throughout the season not only contributed to his team’s success but also paved the way for a national comeback as he was picked in the India squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
“Everyone knew that I am playing after one-and-a-half years so it was a long time to wait outside the ground,” Pant continued. “Loved every bit of it, just coming onto the ground, I just don’t want to stay away from the ground, want to stay on the field all the time.”
Pant is expected to be India’s first-choice wicket-keeper in the T20 World Cup, ahead of Sanju Samson.
India’s campaign begins on 5 June with their opening Group A clash against Ireland before they take on Pakistan in a much-awaited clash in New York. The Men in Blue will round off their group stage fixtures against USA (12 June) and Canada (15 June.)
‘Out of this World’ by Sean Paul and Kes: The official ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 anthem