Renowned Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar praised wicketkeeperbatter Rishabh Pant for his commendable recovery from the numerous injuries sustained in a tragic accident in December 2022. The 26yearold excelled during the IPL 2024 season with the Delhi Capitals accumulating 446 runs at an exceptional average of over 40 in 13 matches.
Rishabh Pant has continued his remarkable international comeback, topping India’s run-scoring in the ongoing T20 World Cup with 116 runs at an average of over 39 and a strike rate of 131.81 in four games.
Aside from his batting, Pant has been outstanding behind the wickets with the gloves, grabbing ten catches during the competition.
Sunil Gavaskar spoke on Star Sports following India’s first Super Eight victory over Afghanistan, praising Pant’s return to fitness from injury.
“It’s a miracle, you know? I mean, we all were so concerned when we heard about the accident. We heard about the severity of the injuries and we were all praying for him just to be ok. But not only has he been ok, he’s come back so strongly. He’s lost a little bit of weight, which was probably needed and it looked at one stage that he was just maybe getting a little overweight. He’s lost a lot of bit of weight and he’s looking so good, so fit.”
Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar was particularly impressed by Rishabh Pant’s agility while carrying two skiers during the Afghanistan clash, saying:
“Look at his mobility. Those two catches that he took, he was. He ran about 20-30 yards. I know the ball was up in the air, but there was Rohit Sharma there, one of the safest pairs of hands in the game. But wicketkeeper’s gloves are always much safer than ordinary hands, you know, plain hands. So he was there and again recognising the situation.”
Sunil Gavaskar
India began their Super Eight campaign with an easy 47-run victory over Afghanistan.
“This is the maturity that is so important” – Sunil Gavaskar on Rishabh Pant
Sunil Gavaskar commended Rishabh Pant’s maturity and progress in judging conditions and playing appropriately with the bat during the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Despite batting in a new position at No.3, the southpaw has supplied India with short cameos to set the team up for success. One example was his crucial 11-ball 20 in the third over, when India were 11/1 behind.
“This is the maturity that is so important. We’ve seen it with Hardik Pandya, we are seeing it in Rishabh Pant’s cricket. The maturity of understanding conditions. Yes, batting wise, he will still continue to play the game. That’s exactly what you want because he’s a naturally attacking player and he can upset the bowler totally. That’s what he did. He didn’t score too many runs. He got 20 in about 10 deliveries at a SR of 200 but that is exactly what you want at that stage.”
Sunil Gavaskar
Rishabh Pant’s early push enabled Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya to take control in the middle and late overs, propelling India to a daunting 181/8 in 20 overs.
The Men in Blue will play their second Super Eight game against Bangladesh on Saturday, June 22.