Ricky Ponting Backs Rishabh Pant for T20 World Cup Selection

Former Australian cricket captain and current Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has expressed his endorsement for wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant to be included in India's 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Pant, who returned to competitive cricket in the 2024 Indian Premier League after a long absence due to injuries suffered in a car accident in December 2022, has impressed with his performances.

Since his comeback, Pant has scored 254 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 150.29, including two half-centuries. "Rishabh Pant is too good of a player not to be playing in a World Cup for India," Ponting stated, confident in the 25-year-old's abilities and potential impact on the game.

Ponting also noted Pant's progress in regaining fitness and form, highlighting his improved wicketkeeping skills and batting performances. "He's worked incredibly hard on his rehab and his overall fitness and it's actually probably the first time he's been in this sort of condition for a while," Ponting observed.

Sourav Ganguly, the Director of Cricket for Delhi Capitals, shares Ponting's sentiment, believing that Pant deserves a place in the Indian squad and should bat in the middle order. Ganguly stated, "Rishabh Pant is definitely in that bracket. He can be a massive asset to the Indian team in the middle order."

Pant's teammate, all-rounder Axar Patel, has also noticed positive changes in the wicketkeeper-batter's demeanor post-accident, mentioning his increased maturity and patience levels. The Indian selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, are expected to announce the squad for the T20 World Cup in the coming weeks, with Pant reportedly already on the provisional 10-man list alongside other star players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav.

Why this matters: Rishabh Pant's potential selection for the T20 World Cup holds significance not only for his personal comeback story but also for India's chances in the tournament. As a dynamic and impactful player, Pant's inclusion could bolster India's middle order and provide the team with a game-changing option in crucial matches.

With the support of cricket legends like Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly, Pant's case for selection has gained substantial endorsement. As the young wicketkeeper-batter continues to impress with his performances in the IPL, the cricketing community eagerly awaits the Indian selectors' decision on his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad.

Key Takeaways

• Ricky Ponting endorses Rishabh Pant's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad.
• Sourav Ganguly also believes Pant deserves a place in the middle order.
• Pant has impressed with his performances since comeback from injury in IPL 2024.
• Pant is already on the provisional 10-man list for the T20 World Cup.
• Pant's selection could bolster India's middle order and chances in the tournament.