Zaheer Khan emphasized the challenges ahead for Rishabh Pant’s return to cricket, citing the player’s tough journey and the need for Pant to overcome hurdles, regain rhythm, and play at his best level.
As the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, India gears up for the tournament with discussions revolving around the primary wicketkeeper role. While many experts advocate for Rishabh Pant, former pacer Zaheer Khan presented a contrasting viewpoint. Expressing reservations about Pant’s T20 World Cup selection, Khan highlighted the challenges ahead despite potential IPL success.
Acknowledging Pant’s difficult journey, Khan emphasized his need to overcome obstacles and regain form after returning to the field. Despite the cricketing community’s delight at Pant’s comeback, Khan remained cautious about India’s considerations for the impending tournament.
“If you see Rishabh Pant’s journey, the turn he has gone through is not easy for any player. Firstly, everyone who is attached to cricket will be happy once he comes back on the field. He has a lot of hurdles to cross,” Zaheer Khan said on Colors Cineplex.
“Firstly, he has to come back and play. It’s not easy at this level. You need to get used to it and get the rhythm back. Those things might take time. It’s great if it doesn’t. However, keeping all things in mind, even if he has a very good IPL, I don’t think the team will be thinking in that direction,” he added.
Several cricket pundits, echoing Zaheer Khan’s sentiments, leaned towards KL Rahul and Jitesh Sharma as preferable choices over Rishabh Pant for India’s wicketkeeper position in the T20 World Cup. Former cricketer Pragyan Ojha emphasized that while Pant’s past impact is acknowledged, his selection hinges on demonstrating fitness.
Last Updated on January 19, 2024
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