Matthew Hayden believes Rishabh Pant has to enhance his spin game ahead of the T20 World Cup next month. He added that Virat Kohli’s outstanding achievements in IPL 2024 had put such reservations about him to rest.
Pant will lead the Delhi Capitals (DC) in an IPL 2024 league match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Delhi on Tuesday, May 14. The DC captain was suspended for the franchise’s prior game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) due to sluggish over rates in three previous matches.
Hayden was questioned on the Star Sports show ‘Game Plan’ about the improvements Team India would like to see in Pant’s game against spin in the DC-LSG battle, given the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“Rishabh has got to work on scoring angles and scoring zones, and manipulation of strike as well. He tends to be all or nothing against spin. That’s the way Rishabh Pant plays against pace as well but with spin, you also have to have the subtleties, the wrists, and the ability to rotate strike, so that if you do get under pressure, you can get off it.”
Matthew Hayden
Matthew Hayden added:
“So that’s one area the Indian side will be really looking to see some improvement. The IPL asked that of Virat Kohli and he has answered those questions. So Rishabh, in that vein, can take on some of the criticisms, some of the numbers that we suggest, and work out a method of how to at least survive a little longer against spin.”
Matthew Hayden
Pant was stumped by KL Rahul off Ravi Bishnoi’s bowling during the Capitals’ away game against LSG. This season, the DC wicketkeeper batsman has been more damaging against speed than spin.
“To have no Pant made a huge impact” – Matthew Hayden on Delhi Capitals missing Rishabh Pant against RCB
Matthew Hayden was also questioned if Rishabh Pant’s comeback against the Lucknow Super Giants was good news for the Delhi Capitals.
“Absolutely, it was about a par score for RCB. So to have no Pant made a huge impact. However, it’s not like they hadn’t had a warning either. In fact, most of the franchises have been really late with their overs.”
“So, it’s disappointing, but to have Pant back – in form, captain of the side as well. Axar Patel didn’t nurse that chair as well as what he would have liked for the Delhi Capitals.”
Matthew Hayden
Ecstasy enveloped them when MS Dhoni connected for three consecutive sixes off Hardik Pandya bowling in the final over. Dhupia took to Instagram capturing their heartfelt reactions to the heroic display by the seasoned CSK player.