India’s batting coach sealed off the probability of Rishabh Pant playing at No. 3 for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup matches.
India kicked off their T20 World Cup campaign on a high note, securing an eight-wicket win over Ireland in their Group A encounter at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York. While a challenging pitch dominated pre-match discussions, strong performances from key Indian players ensured a smooth victory.
The bowlers set the tone for the win, restricting Ireland to 96 runs. The pace attack, led by Hardik Pandya’s impressive three-wicket haul (3/27), exploited the bowler-friendly surface. Captain Rohit Sharma (52 off 37) then anchored the chase with a crucial half-century.
Rishabh Pant, however, emerged as the star of the batting display. Unfazed by a testing pitch and even absorbing a couple of blows to his body, he played a composed yet aggressive knock of 36 runs off 26 deliveries, including a match-winning reverse scoop six. His back-to-back fifties, including one in India’s solitary warm-up match against Bangladesh, seem to have secured him the number three batting position.
“He [Rishabh Pant] has been batting really well. In the two games he has played, he has looked really, really good. At the moment, he is our No. 3, and it helps that he is a left-hander,” confirmed India’s batting coach, Vikram Rathour, in a post-match press conference, as quoted by News18.
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Hardik Pandya’s return to bowling form was another positive takeaway for India. After a subdued IPL season, he showcased his all-round capabilities with a three-wicket spell, raising hopes for his continued effectiveness in the tournament.
“Hardik looked really good. He has been bowling really well in practice games and sessions. He looks fit enough to bowl his full quota of overs, and he’s bowling with pace and accuracy. It’s great for the team,” Rathour concluded, lauding the all-rounder’s performance.
Last Updated on June 6, 2024
