In a dramatic turn of events, Rishabh Pant’s outstanding performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 season has reignited the debate around his selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Delhi Capitals’ bowling coach, James Hopes, recently praised Pant’s exceptional skills and leadership qualities, suggesting that he is a strong contender for the wicketkeeper-batsman role in Team India.
“He is pretty good. Last year, we tried really hard to cover that gap. But it is very hard to cover a world-class wicketkeeper, if not the best wicketkeeper-batter in the world. Now he is back, you can see everything about his game, his keeping, his captaincy is becoming very sharp, his batting is pretty good from the start of the tournament,” he said.
Pant’s stellar performance was showcased in DC’s recent match against GT, where he led his team to victory with an unbeaten 16, alongside Sumit Kumar (9), as they chased down 90 runs in just 8.5 overs. This victory marked DC’s second consecutive win in the IPL 2024 season, propelling them back into contention for a playoff spot.
Hopes lauded Pant’s all-round abilities, highlighting his sharp captaincy, exceptional keeping skills, and consistent batting performance throughout the tournament. He emphasized the challenges faced by the team in Pant’s absence last year and expressed confidence in Pant’s form and leadership capabilities.
“The only thought process before coming on to the field was coming in a better way, that’s the only thought when I was going through my rehab,” Pant said after the win against GT.
“The only conversation we had before the chase was – let’s get it as early as possible, we lost a few run-rate points earlier and we covered it up. We just love being in Ahmedabad, we love the stadium, the vibe here and looking forward to play more matches here. We just want to enjoy our win, one at a time and move forward learning from it,” he added.
The bowling coach’s comments have sparked a fresh discussion among cricket enthusiasts and experts, with many endorsing Pant as a vital asset for Team India in the T20 World Cup. Pant, who missed more than a year of cricket due to a car accident, has made a remarkable comeback in the IPL 2024, emerging as DC’s top run-scorer with 210 runs in seven matches, including two impressive half-centuries.
With Pant’s form on the rise and his undeniable impact on DC’s performance, the pressure is mounting on the Team India selectors to consider him for the T20 World Cup squad. His dynamic style of play and ability to turn the game around single-handedly make him a valuable asset for the team, especially in the high-pressure T20 format.
As the T20 World Cup draws closer, all eyes will be on Pant as he continues to showcase his skills on the field, aiming to secure his spot in the Indian team for the prestigious tournament. His performance in the remaining IPL matches could be a decisive factor in determining his selection, making him a player to watch out for in the upcoming games.
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