Pant Deserves World Cup Spot, Say Ganguly and Ponting

Pant Deserves World Cup Spot, Say Ganguly and Ponting

Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting, two legendary cricketers, have expressed their belief that Rishabh Pant should be included in India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Their assessment is based on Pant’s impressive performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

“Yes, I think so, Pant should be part of the World Cup squad,” Ganguly stated at a media roundtable. “He should bat in the middle-order. Where exactly is difficult to say because of match-ups, right-left combinations depending on who bowls. It also depends on the situation.”

Ponting echoed Ganguly’s sentiments, noting that Pant has shown significant improvement throughout the IPL season. “He’s starting to get a bit more trust and belief in his body as well,” Ponting said. “I think early on he had been a little bit apprehensive as to what he could do, especially with the wicketkeeping side of it. With his batting, coming into the tournament, he had pretty good trust in his abilities.”

Pant, who returned to competitive cricket after a 15-month layoff due to a car crash, has amassed 254 runs in eight innings at an impressive strike rate of 150.29. He has predominantly batted in the middle order and has kept wickets in every game.

However, Pant faces competition for a spot in the squad from Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, and Jitesh Sharma. Additionally, Dinesh Karthik has also staked his claim with some exceptional performances for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Another key question for the Indian selectors is the opening combination. Rohit Sharma is expected to open, but the identity of his partner remains uncertain. Yashasvi Jaiswal is the incumbent, but his recent form has been underwhelming.

Ganguly believes that India should adopt an aggressive approach at the T20 World Cup, similar to the one employed by Rohit Sharma in the 50-over World Cup. “They have the talent to do that,” Ganguly said. “We saw how Rohit batted at the 50-overs World Cup. He just came and hit from ball one and we were able to put so much pressure on the opposition in the first seven-eight overs. It gave breathing space for the lower order.”

Ganguly also commented on KL Rahul’s struggles in T20 cricket, suggesting that he needs to find a method that suits his abilities. “I think it depends on what the captain and the coach instruct him to do in the middle,” Ganguly said. “The other day I saw him play an innings against Chennai [Super Kings], which Lucknow [Super Giants] won. I thought he was exceptional. He played well at the top of the order and did exactly that was required to do.”

India's T20 World Cup Wicket-Keeper Contenders: Pant, Samson, Kishan, Rahul

India’s T20 World Cup Wicket-Keeper Contenders: Pant, Samson, Kishan, Rahul

With the T20 World Cup 2024 fast approaching, the race for spots in India’s final squad is intensifying. The battle for batting and bowling positions is heating up, but the question of who will don the wicket-keeping gloves remains unanswered. Here are the top contenders for India’s wicket-keeper role in the upcoming tournament:

Rishabh Pant:

Despite his modest T20I average and strike rate, Pant’s impressive form in IPL 2024 has made him a strong contender. After a lengthy absence due to injury, Pant has returned with a bang, captaining Delhi Capitals to a strong start. His 210 runs in seven matches, including two fifties, have showcased his explosive batting and leadership skills.

Sanju Samson:

Samson’s T20I record for India is underwhelming, but his performances in the IPL have been exceptional. Currently fourth in the Orange Cap list with 276 runs, Samson has struck three fifties, including an unbeaten 82. His average of 55.20 and strike rate of 155.06 make him a formidable candidate for the wicket-keeper role.

Ishan Kishan:

After a brief hiatus, Kishan has returned to form in IPL 2024. The explosive left-hander has scored 184 runs in six matches for Mumbai Indians, including a best of 69. With a T20I average of 25.67 and six fifties, Kishan has proven his ability to perform at the international level.

KL Rahul:

Rahul is the least likely of these players to make the T20 World Cup squad. His recent form in T20Is has been underwhelming, and he has struggled in IPL 2024, scoring only 204 runs in six matches. However, a strong second half of the tournament could boost his chances of sneaking into the squad.

Wicket-Keeping Contenders Emerge for India's T20 World Cup Squad

Wicket-Keeping Contenders Emerge for India’s T20 World Cup Squad

The upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked intense discussions regarding India’s squad selection, particularly for the wicket-keeping position. With the announcement expected in early May, several contenders are vying for the role, including Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant, and Sanju Samson. KL Rahul, who has been considered both as a specialist batter and a wicket-keeping option, is also in the mix.

Legendary Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist weighed in on Rahul’s World Cup chances, emphasizing the importance of focusing on present performances rather than dwelling on the future. “He needs to think – How am I going to win this tournament for my franchise? How am I going to win it tonight? I know there is this overarching shadow of the World Cup, but win the IPL, be the best player you can be in winning the IPL, and you’ll be on the plane if you’re in the narrative of selecting,” Gilchrist advised.

Meanwhile, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting expressed his concerns about the IPL’s ‘Impact Player’ rule. “This Impact Player is taking the all-rounders out of the game a little bit,” Ponting said. He explained that teams can now field specialist batsmen down to number eight, potentially reducing the value of all-rounders. However, Ponting acknowledged that the rule aims to entertain spectators and suggested that its continuation should be based on fan feedback.

As the IPL progresses, the performances of these players will be closely scrutinized as the selectors finalize their World Cup squad. Rahul’s ability to contribute both with the bat and behind the stumps will be a key factor in his selection, while Kishan, Pant, and Samson will need to showcase their consistency and match-winning abilities. The ‘Impact Player’ rule will also be a topic of discussion, with its potential impact on team strategies and the role of all-rounders.

Delhi Capitals' Playoff Hopes Dented by Disappointing Loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad

Delhi Capitals’ Playoff Hopes Dented by Disappointing Loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad

Delhi Capitals’ hopes of securing a playoff berth in IPL 2024 suffered a major setback after their disappointing defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday. The loss dropped them to seventh place in the points table, with only three wins in eight games.

Chasing a challenging target of 267, Delhi Capitals’ captain Rishabh Pant failed to provide the impetus, scoring a slow-paced 44 off 35 balls. His lackluster performance drew criticism from fans, who questioned his decision to bat at No. 6 instead of his usual No. 4 position.

Despite spirited contributions from Jake Fraser McGurk (65 off 18) and Abhishek Porel (42 off 22), Delhi Capitals struggled to maintain momentum after losing their openers. The team’s inability to accelerate the run chase effectively raised concerns about Pant’s leadership decisions.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, set a formidable tone with their batting display. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma amassed a record-breaking 125 runs in the first six overs, laying the groundwork for their team’s imposing total of 266/7.

Following the disappointing loss, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar offered words of consolation to Pant during the post-match presentation. “I never want your head down, there are lots of games so keep a smile always,” Gavaskar told Pant, who responded, “I will try my best, sir.”

As Delhi Capitals aim to recover from this setback, the scrutiny on Pant’s form and leadership decisions intensifies. The team faces challenges in regaining momentum in the remainder of the IPL season.

Rishabh Pant Embraces 'Babysitter' Role, Leads Delhi Capitals to Victory

Rishabh Pant Embraces ‘Babysitter’ Role, Leads Delhi Capitals to Victory

Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant has once again lived up to the “babysitter” tag given to him by former Australia skipper Tim Paine. In a heartwarming video posted by DC on their official Instagram handle, Pant can be seen sharing a special moment with the children of the team’s overseas players during the ongoing IPL 2024.

The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows Pant interacting with the kids, playing with them, and even feeding them. The incident has reminded many cricket fans of the time when Paine asked Pant if he could babysit for him and his wife after the 2019 India-Australia series.

Paine later revealed that the “babysitter” sledge was a strategy agreed upon by the team to distract Pant and break his concentration. However, the incident ended on a positive note when Paine’s wife posted a picture on social media showing Pant with their children.

On the field, Pant has been in impressive form for Delhi Capitals, leading the team to a six-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in their last match. Pant played a crucial role in the victory, both as a batter and a wicket-keeper.

After the match, Pant expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, saying, “Lots of things to be pleased about. We talked about the champion thought process and our team showed today that we can play like that and really happy to see that.”

Pant also praised the team’s bowling attack, saying, “Definitely one of the best, it’s early on in the tournament, can’t say much as we can improve individually.”

The Delhi Capitals skipper emphasized the importance of taking one game at a time, saying, “We just want to enjoy our win, one at a time and move forward learning from it.”

SRH Dominate DC with Solid Batting, Clinical Bowling

SRH Dominate DC with Solid Batting, Clinical Bowling

DC vs SRH IPL 2024: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma Shine in SunRisers’ Solid Start

In a thrilling encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) got off to a solid start against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday. DC skipper Rishabh Pant opted to bowl first after winning the toss.

SRH openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma set the tone for their team’s innings, forging a crucial partnership. Head, the Australian left-hander, played aggressively, hitting boundaries at will. Sharma, on the other hand, provided stability and rotated the strike effectively.

DC’s bowlers struggled to contain the SRH duo, with Anrich Nortje and Khaleel Ahmed proving expensive. Head reached his half-century off just 32 deliveries, while Sharma followed suit shortly after.

As the innings progressed, SRH continued to pile on the runs. Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen contributed valuable cameos, while Abdul Samad provided a late flourish with a quickfire 25.

DC’s fielding was also below par, with several dropped catches and misfields. The fielding lapses allowed SRH to post a formidable total of 195/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

In response, DC got off to a shaky start, losing David Warner and Jake Fraser-McGurk cheaply. Abishek Porel and Rishabh Pant tried to steady the ship, but they were unable to match the SRH bowlers’ intensity.

SRH’s bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, proved too strong for DC. Cummins picked up three wickets, while Kumar and Mayank Markande chipped in with two each.

DC’s hopes of a comeback were dashed as they were bowled out for 150 in the 19th over. SRH registered a comfortable 45-run victory, securing their first win of the IPL 2024 season.

Pant Embraces Dhoni's Mantra, Focuses on Controllables Amidst Criticism

Pant Embraces Dhoni’s Mantra, Focuses on Controllables Amidst Criticism

Rishabh Pant Embraces Dhoni’s Mantra of Focusing on Controllables Amidst Criticism

Ahead of the crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant has revealed the invaluable advice he received from legendary cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Pant emphasized the importance of focusing on aspects within his control, rather than dwelling on external criticism.

“Mahi bhai always says one thing, ‘focus on controllables.’ You should always focus on the thought process, the practice, and its implementation in the match rather than if someone is criticizing you from the outside,” Pant said on Star Sports.

Pant’s approach to batting has often been described as high-risk, high-reward. However, the wicket-keeper batsman insists that he calculates his shots carefully and plays according to the situation. “I feel I am not playing any risky shots. I calculate everything as per my understanding of the game. It’s important to play the situation. Criticism toh hoga (criticism will be there), but not paying heed to that, I am giving my hundred percent on the field. And that’s important for me,” he added.

Under Pant’s leadership, Delhi Capitals have had a mixed bag of results, winning three and losing four of their seven matches. However, thanks to a favorable net run rate, DC currently occupies the sixth position on the points table.

Individually, Pant has been a beacon of inspiration since returning from injuries sustained in a car accident in December 2022. The left-handed batsman has amassed 210 runs in seven games, including two half-centuries.

Pant’s resilience and determination have been lauded by fans and experts alike. He has shown that he is not afraid to take risks and play his natural game, even amidst criticism. As Delhi Capitals prepare for their upcoming match, Pant’s focus on controllables and his unwavering belief in his abilities will be crucial to their success.

Delhi Capitals Face Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL Home Opener

Delhi Capitals Face Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL Home Opener

Delhi Capitals Host Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL Clash

Delhi Capitals return to their home ground, the Arun Jaitley Stadium, for the first time this season as they face a formidable Sunrisers Hyderabad side on Saturday. The Capitals, currently sixth in the standings, will be eager to improve their record at home, having lost five of their seven matches there last year.

Sunrisers, on the other hand, have been in scintillating form, setting two IPL records for the highest total. Their explosive left-handed opening duo of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma has been a major factor in their success, with both players striking at over 200 in the powerplay.

Delhi Capitals will need to rely on their experienced bowlers, including Ishant Sharma and Khaleel Ahmed, to contain the Sunrisers’ batting onslaught. Kuldeep Yadav, with his left-arm wristspin, could be particularly effective against the likes of Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen, who are both strong spin-hitters.

The Capitals’ batting lineup, led by Rishabh Pant, has also been in good form. Pant has scored 210 runs in seven games, while David Warner, if fit, will provide a significant boost to the top order.

The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium is expected to play better than it did last year, with more grass cover on the square. This could favor the Capitals’ bowlers, who have struggled on slower surfaces.

Pant Embraces 'Babysitter' Role for Delhi Capitals Teammates

Pant Embraces ‘Babysitter’ Role for Delhi Capitals Teammates

Rishabh Pant Embraces ‘Babysitter’ Role for Delhi Capitals Teammates

Rishabh Pant, the enigmatic wicketkeeper-batter, has once again taken on the mantle of ‘babysitter,’ this time for his Delhi Capitals (DC) teammates. In a heartwarming video released by the IPL franchise, Pant was seen engaging with the children of his fellow players, bringing joy and laughter to the team environment.

The video, which has gone viral on social media, captures Pant’s playful interactions with David Warner’s daughters and head coach Ricky Ponting’s son. As the clip unfolds, the familiar chant of “Pant, Pant” can be heard in the background, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere.

Throughout the video, Pant exudes genuine enthusiasm and joy, highlighting his delight in being back in the IPL environment, surrounded by his teammates and their families. His infectious energy and playful spirit create a sense of camaraderie and warmth within the team.

Pant’s role as a ‘babysitter’ has become synonymous with his character both on and off the field. During India’s 2018 tour of Australia, he earned the nickname from then-Australian captain Tim Paine, who jokingly asked if Pant would be interested in babysitting his children.

However, the term has taken on a more positive connotation, representing Pant’s nurturing and caring nature. His interactions with the children of his teammates showcase his genuine love for the game and his desire to create a positive and supportive environment for everyone involved.

As the IPL season progresses, Pant’s ‘babysitter’ role is likely to continue, bringing smiles to the faces of his teammates and their families. His ability to balance his on-field brilliance with his off-field warmth and camaraderie makes him a true asset to the Delhi Capitals franchise.

Zaheer Khan Urges Hardik Pandya to Ignore Criticism, Focus on Performances

Zaheer Khan Urges Hardik Pandya to Ignore Criticism, Focus on Performances

Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan has urged Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya to ignore the criticism he has faced from fans and let his performances speak for themselves. Khan believes that Pandya’s struggles are a reflection of the evolving nature of franchise cricket, where fans are more vocal in expressing their opinions.

“When the individual represents the country, it will again go back to the normal,” said Khan. “Every athlete should understand that it’s ultimately the trophies you win, the performances you put out, putting your body on the line, showing dedication, determination, and you will be able to win their hearts.”

Khan also discussed the upcoming T20 World Cup and expressed his confidence in Rishabh Pant’s selection. “I’m happy with how he is progressing,” said Khan. “He has quickly got into the groove and has shown that he hasn’t lost his touch.”

Regarding the Indian bowling attack, Khan believes that Mohammed Siraj should be included in the World Cup squad alongside Jasprit Bumrah, despite his recent struggles in the IPL. He also praised Arshdeep Singh’s performances and acknowledged the potential of other left-arm pacers like Mohsin Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, and Yash Dayal.

Khan also commented on the impact of the ‘Impact Player’ rule on the development of Indian allrounders. He agrees with Rohit Sharma’s concerns that the rule may hinder the progress of players who can contribute with both bat and ball.

“It will affect the find or the progress when you are looking at the half allrounders,” said Khan. “You can have a specialist bowler to create that balance.”

Khan emphasized the importance of valuing the ability to bowl quickly and urged young pacers like Mayank Yadav and Umran Malik to work on their overall skills to sustain their success.

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