T20 World Cup 2024 | "I am sure that his best is yet to come": Ishant Sharma on Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant (Pic: File Pic)

Indian speedster Ishant Sharma believes that the best of Rishabh Pant is yet to come. The wicketkeeper-batsman Pant has shown promising knocks batting at number three in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

After recovering from his injuries, Pant made a return to international cricket during the T20 World Cup 2024 match against Ireland. In the concluded IPL 2024, he smashed 446 runs in 13 matches with an average of 40.55.

He continued his rich vein in form in the T20 World Cup 2024. It became evident in India's campaign opener against Ireland when he effortlessly reversed scoop the length delivery to clear the fence over the head of the wicketkeeper.

He has amassed 96 runs at an average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 124.67 in three matches.

Ishant, who played under Pant's captaincy in the IPL 2024 and closely monitored the left-hander's progress, feels the best is yet to come from the "world-class" player.

"The player whom I eagerly want to see is Rishabh Pant. He has been scoring runs consistently on the pitches that assisted bowlers more than batsmen. Having spent time with him in IPL playing for Delhi Capitals, he is a world-class player, and I am sure that his best is yet to come." said Ishant Sharma on the 'Caught & Bold' show on Disney+ Hotstar.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024 | "My talent was first recognised by Lad Sir": Harmeet credits Dinesh Lad

Before the start of the T20 World Cup 2024, many former cricketers chose India as the favourites to reach the semi-final. So far, Team India is unbeaten and fans believe that the side could go to the finals of the marquee event.

India had a lot of positive takeaways from their performances in the US. Skipper Rohit Sharma slammed a fifty, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube found their form while Arshdeep Singh stepped with the ball, especially in the powerplay.

Ishant feels that the bench strength that allows India to cover all fronts of the game sets them apart from the previous editions' squad.

"What sets this Indian team apart from the previous editions is that this time, we have all bases covered with different players contributing in each game. In the first game, Rohit Sharma scored a half-century, Suryakumar Yadav regained his form against the USA with a scintillating 50, Arshdeep Singh also picked crucial four wickets and not forgetting Rishabh Pant, who is consistently scoring 30s and 40s. Different players contributing in different games provide stability and balance to the team. Moving ahead in the tournament, this will surely help them," he added.

In the first three games, India named a pace-laden line-up that suited the quick bowlers. Due to this, the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal were confined on the sidelines.

In the West Indies conditions, there are chances of the Kuldeep-Chahal duo to come into action as the spinners might have an important role than the pacers. West Indies, handed Akeal Hosein to bowl the first over of the powerplay, which further signified the importance of spinners.

India will play their first game of the Super 8 against Afghanistan on Thursday at Kensington Oval Barbados.

(With ANI Inputs)