Sourav Ganguly, the former BCCI President, has weighed in on the question of whether Rishabh Pant should be included in Team India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
Rishabh Pant’s return to competitive cricket during the IPL 2024 season, following a severe car accident in December 2022, has been notable. Despite impactful performances for the Capitals, the left-handed batter is still striving to reach his peak form with the bat.
Sourav Ganguly Backs Rishabh Pant For Keeper Role In T20 World Cup 2024
Pant has scored 254 runs in eight matches at an average of 36.29 and an impressive strike rate of 150.30, including two half-centuries. However, he faces stiff competition from players like Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, and Jitesh Sharma for a wicketkeeper spot in the World Cup squad.
During the Delhi Capitals media day, Sourav Ganguly expressed confidence in Rishabh Pant’s readiness for the upcoming World Cup, stating that he believes Pant will be selected for the squad.
“Pant is ready to go for the World Cup and I am sure he will be picked in the team,” Ganguly said during Delhi Capitals media day on Monday.
![[Watch] Rishabh Pant Attempts A No-Look Run Out](https://thecricketlounge.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_7708.webp)
Dinesh Karthik is also in contention for the World Cup following his impressive performances in the IPL 2024. Karthik has scored 251 runs in seven innings at a remarkable strike rate of 196.09 and an average of 62.75. If he maintains his form, selectors might find it hard to overlook him for the ICC event.
“The most important thing for India is to play without fear. There is no hard and fast rule about age and playing youngsters in T20Is, James Anderson still plays Tests and bowls 30 overs in Tests, MS Dhoni still hits sixes and both are in their 40s. Six-hitting is important. Virat has got the capability to hit a 40-ball century. It is about playing fearlessly and freely in T20Is,” Ganguly said.
“India needs to go out and hit. Rohit, Virat, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya etc. All of them are exceptional talents and their six-hitting abilities are tremendous,” he added.
Sourav Ganguly’s statement regarding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli opening for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup highlights his confidence in their capabilities at the top of the order.
The announcement of India’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup is expected in early May. Head coach Rahul Dravid, selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar, and captain Rohit Sharma will be tasked with selecting a balanced team from the available players.
