As the IPL 2024 playoff battle heats up, the rejuvenated Delhi Capitals clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad this Saturday. DC, riding a wave of resurgence with two consecutive victories, have breathed new life into their campaign, presently occupying the sixth spot in the standings. Captain Rishabh Pant deserves significant recognition for their turnaround, spearheading the charge with his exceptional leadership. Pant seems determined to fulfill his own objectives alongside leading his team to success in the ongoing season.
Rishabh Pant’s Heroic Comeback:
After enduring over a year’s absence from cricket following a bizarre car accident, the wicketkeeper-batsman sees IPL 2024 as his redemption avenue, eyeing a return to India’s T20 World Cup squad. Amidst Delhi’s top-order struggles this season, Pant has emerged as the catalyst, orchestrating crucial cameos with swiftness and decisiveness. His bat speaks volumes, leading the team’s run charts with 210 runs amassed across seven outings, including a top score of 55. With each inning, Pant not only scripts his personal resurgence but also strengthens his case for a spot in the national team’s World Cup roster.
Following his accident, the wicketkeeper-batsman, once India’s primary choice behind the stumps, faced a setback, missing out on the ODI World Cup. In his absence, KL Rahul assumed the wicketkeeping duties for India. Meanwhile, leading the Lucknow Super Giants, he showcased commendable form with both bat and ball, thrusting himself back into contention for the national team’s wicketkeeper role ahead of the impending T20 World Cup. His consistent performances position him as a formidable candidate to reclaim his spot in the squad.
Pant finds himself in a competitive race for a spot in the national team with Rajasthan Royals’ skipper, Sanju Samson, displaying impressive batting prowess. Samson has accumulated 276 runs in seven IPL 2024 appearances, showcasing his formidable form with the bat. However, KL Rahul, with 286 runs from seven matches, poses another formidable challenge. As the competition heats up, Pant must maintain his consistency to secure his berth in the T20 World Cup squad.
Adam Gilchrist on India’s Wicketkeeping Selection:
Australia’s cricket icon, Adam Gilchrist, weighed in on India’s wicketkeeping conundrum for the T20 World Cup. Gilchrist’s stance dealt a blow to KL Rahul, favoring Rishabh Pant as India’s primary wicketkeeper. Adding to Rahul’s disappointment, Gilchrist also endorsed Sanju Samson as the backup option. With this endorsement, Pant emerges as the preferred choice, leaving Rahul with an uphill battle to secure his position in the squad.
He said, “He has been consistently getting atleast starts, and a couple of nice contributions. He affected this brilliant backhand run out against RR, which was just amazing, Dhoni-like. His last match against GT, he was Man of the Match, primarily for his wicketkeeping and his captaincy is there, ended up 19* not out. So a wonderful week for him. As I say there is a lot of focus on him, lot of expectations and he has delivered. Without doubt. If the BCCI doesn’t give you one, I will pay for his ticket.”
He further said, “I will have him in my team, definitely. I think his wicketkeeping is showing physically that he is not held back. His batting is only going to get better and better as he spends more time. I think just that level of maturity that comes with leadership, I have him in there and I think Sanju Samson is probably my back-up at the moment. What I will say is India are so well-blessed with so many talented wicketkeeper-batters.”
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