Ravi Shastri has revealed how committed Rishabh Pant was to returning to high-profile cricket after being on the sidelines for over a year.
The wicketkeeper-batsman was out of action for almost a year and a half while recovering from the injuries he sustained in the horrific car accident in December 2022. He did not play a single match in 2023 and also missed the home series against Afghanistan . and England this year before making his long-awaited return to action in the IPL.
Many expected him to only bat in the IPL at least in the early stages, but Rishabh Pant stunned the cricket world by playing as a wicketkeeper from the very first game. He then enjoyed an excellent campaign in the IPL to earn a place in India’s squad for the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. In the IPL, he scored 466 runs in 13 games with the help of 3 fifties.
He also looked in good form in the T20 World Cup. While many expected Sanju Samson to get the nod as a wicketkeeper-batsman, the team management showed faith in Rishabh Pant and has amply justified the decision so far.
After scoring 53 in the warm-up match against Bangladesh, the left-hander scored an unbeaten 36 against Ireland in India’s first match of the tournament. He then scored 42 against Pakistan and was India’s top scorer in the match.
Rishabh Pant has been most impressive: Ravi Shastri
Speaking on Star Sports, Ravi Shastri spoke about the remarkable commitment shown by Rishabh Pant for his quick return to international cricket. The former India head coach and all-rounder praised Pant for his hard work and revealed that the Delhi star carried his own chef during the IPL to stay fit.
“I think he (Rishabh) has been very impressive, batting against all the newbies. But his range of motion has been fabulous. Like he said, ‘It’s not often you get two chances. God doesn’t give you two chances to live.’
“It’s literally God saying to him, ‘You’re too young to come up. Why don’t you stay down, play cricket and we’ll see you later? He’s given him that opportunity. He’s realized that and worked his ass off.’ “said Shastri.
“For me, the first impression when I saw Rishabh was one of improvement. Ricky (Ponting) mentioned that he was with DC and that he had his own chef. So it’s that awareness that has allowed him to play at the highest level and come back and do the things he was doing, or even better. He has to work very, very hard.
“So I realized, and that made a difference and it’s fabulous. You can see the X factor he brings with the bat, I thought his keeping was something that surprised everyone. Especially the footwork, the way he moves behind of the stump… It’s not easy 18 months ago, when you saw him in the hospital, you would never have imagined that he would come back and play,” Shastri added.
Meanwhile, Team India has booked its place in the Super 8s of the ongoing T20 World Cup after finishing its group stage unbeaten. They won their first three games before the fourth game against Canada was abandoned due to wet outfields.