Ahead of the highly anticipated T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan, Suryakumar Yadav’s childhood coach, Ashok Aswalkar, emphasized that Rishabh Pant’s presence is a major advantage for the Indian team in the tournament.
India is set to face Pakistan in their upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Pant made a remarkable return to international cricket after recovering from a serious accident in December 2022. The wicketkeeper-batter played a crucial role in India’s comfortable chase of 97 runs, finishing the game with more than seven overs to spare.
“The biggest plus point for us is Rishabh Pant. He made an incredible comeback after the accident. He has a strong mindset. He is mentally very strong,” ANI quoted Ashok Aswalkar.
While Pant faced challenges dealing with the unexpected bounce of the pitch earlier in the innings and even sustained blows on his arm, he showcased exceptional batting form overall.
The 26-year-old remained unbeaten on 36 off 26 deliveries, displaying his prowess with three boundaries and two towering sixes.
Aswalkar expressed the importance of openers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli converting their starts, stating that the outcome of the match could hinge on their performance.
“Virat and Rohit have to convert in the beginning. If they fail, then the match could go either way,” Aswalkar added.
India’s T20 World Cup Squad includes Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Squad comprises Babar Azam (C), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Usman Khan.