Former Indian speedster S Sreesanth believes Rishabh Pant would be happy to see Virat Kohli bat at number three and score runs after the strong batsman struggled to muster runs in the opener. Kohli is yet to make headlines in the 2024 T20 World Cup with the bat. Debuting alongside captain Rohit Sharma, the 35-year-old accumulated just five runs in three games for the Indian team. After having a record-breaking season with the bat of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the recently concluded IPL, fans expected fireworks to erupt from Virat’s bat at the landmark event.
However, the tricky surface of the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium left Virat reeling.
With Virat promoted to the opening slot, Pant, who made his international comeback in the ongoing event, took up the mantle to deliver influential blows at number three. He thrived in the new role and accumulated 96 runs in three matches with his wide range of shots.
Sreesanth feels that if Kohli returns to number three, Pant will continue to perform well as he is a player who can adapt to different situations and positions in the batting order.
“Pant is a player who can adapt to any situation. We have seen him bat in different positions. He is a brilliant player and I think Pant will be happy if Virat comes at number three. Pant doesn’t look at the situation, wicket or the bowler. He just looks at the ball. I think that’s a quality that youngsters should focus on. I think he loves Virat and would love to see Virat score more runs than Pant gets, he can just hit the reverse sweep off the first ball, so that one. it’s Pant,” said Sreesanth, who appears as an expert on Caught and Bold on Disney Hotstar, while speaking exclusively to ANI.
Pant suffered injuries during a near-fatal car accident in December 2022. He returned to cricket in the 2024 Indian Premier League season as captain of the Delhi Capitals. He accumulated 446 runs in 13 matches at an average of 40.55 and a strike rate of 155.40.
India again remain unbeaten in the T20 World Cup after recording comprehensive victories over Ireland, Pakistan and co-hosts USA. After observing the strength and talent of the players, the former pacer sees no reason to stop the Indian team from lifting the coveted prize.
We have a very large bench strength. I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t win. Whenever we talk about the World Cup, they show the victories of 2009, 2011 and 1983. It’s about time this team really deserves to win the World Cup. Next time photos from the current edition will be shown.
Last year in the ODI World Cup, India reached the final undefeated to face the mighty Australia. But the night in Ahmedabad ended on a poignant note for the Rohit-led team as their unbeaten run ended. The Baggy Greens extended their record to six with a six-wicket victory.
This time, Sreesanth expects India to get revenge if both teams manage to reach the final and the highlights of this tournament will be shown alongside the triumphs in 1983, 2007 and 2011.
“It’s a good feeling, and the team’s performance reminds you of the 2007 T20 World Cup. This time, Pakistan is going out and India is advancing. The performance of Bumrah and others, especially in terms of character, A India is way ahead.If anyone is going to challenge India, I think it’s going to the final India vs Australia The result that didn’t happen in the 50’s World Cup, I hope India gets revenge this time and we bring the cup. back to India,” he said.
After securing a place in the Super 8, India will play their final group stage match against Canada in Florida on Saturday.
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