Rishabh Pant the wicketkeeper batter representing Team India engaged in a thoughtful exchange with Rinku Singh and Nitish Rana subsequent to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerging victorious and lifting the IPL 2024 trophy following a resounding triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final on Sunday May 26. Pant assumed the role of captain for the Delhi Capitals (DC) upon his return from injury overseeing their sixthplace finish in the standings attributing to inconsistent performances.
Rishabh Pant accompanied by his Indian comrades Rohit Sharma Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah recently embarked on a journey to the USA to kickstart preparations for the eagerly anticipated T20 World Cup slated to unfold between June 2 and June 29. The hosting rights for this prestigious event have been bestowed upon the USA and West Indies collectively.
KKR went to their official X feed to post a video of Rinku Singh, Rishabh Pant, and Nitish Rana’s video conversation. Pant was spotted thanking both Kolkata players on their title win. Rinku Singh then notified Pant that he will go to the United States on May 28 to join the Indian squad. Rinku is not a member of the main team but rather a traveling reserve.
“Bhaiyya, I’m coming on 28th,” Rinku Singh said.
You can watch the video below:
TATA IPL 2024 Trophy
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 27, 2024
Time for a 'Rishu Bhaiya-Rinku' reunion in the USA!pic.twitter.com/d1jPyqkXqH
Gautam Gambhir Weighs in on Rishabh Pant vs Sanju Samson Debate for India at 2024 T20 World Cup
Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir recently entered the ongoing conversation surrounding the appointment of a wicketkeeper for the Indian squad ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 T20 World Cup.
Gambhir inclined towards Rishabh Pant after determining that India may slot a wicketkeeper at number 5, 6, or 7 in the batting order. Gambhir said Pant would be more suited to bat in those spots than Sanju Samson, who favors the top order. Speaking on Sportskeeda Cricket’s Match Ki Baat broadcast, Gambhir stated:
“Both have equal quality. Sanju has amazing quality, and even Rishabh has amazing quality. If I had to pick, I’d probably pick Rishabh Pant because he is a natural middle-order batter. Sanju, if you see in IPL, he has batted at number three. Rishabh has batted at number five, six and seven I think. Looking at Team India’s combination, we need the wicketkeeper in that position and not in the top order.”
Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir continued:
“So I’d start with Rishabh Pant. Plus, he is a left-hander in the middle-order, which gives you a left hand-right hand combination. But again, if they see that Sanju can score more runs at number six or seven, they could go with him as well. I think only one out of those two will play, and whoever plays, the team management should back him.”
Gautam Gambhir