ICC Men's T20 WC'24: Ponting, 'Pant Set for Major Impact at T20 World Cup'

Rishabh Pant's recent success in the Indian Premier League 2024 has given hope to former Australia skipper and Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting. He believes that the wicketkeeper-batsman will have a "huge impact" in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Pant made a comeback to competitive cricket after a 15-month gap during the recently concluded IPL. Despite doubts about his fitness following multiple injuries sustained in a car crash, Pant not only captained Delhi Capitals in the season but also successfully took on the wicketkeeping duties.

Pant has been named in India's squad for the T20 World Cup to be held in the USA and West Indies. Ponting said his inclusion was evident following his "remarkable comeback." The veteran feels that Pant will make a significant impact in the T20 showpiece. “I was asked when I was over there what I thought about him. He'd been picked in the Indian squad, and I basically said 'he'd be one of the first players picked', and sure enough he was. So, great to see him back out there playing again. I've enjoyed every moment of working with him. Obviously, he's been the captain of the Delhi Capitals, and I've been the coach there," Ponting told.

Pant, who was sidelined during the previous tournament due to injuries, showcased his prowess by scoring 446 runs, the highest tally for the franchise in this edition. Additionally, he notched up three half-centuries and maintained an impressive strike rate of 155.40. Reflecting on Pant's remarkable return, Ponting lauded it as a 'spectacular' performance by the 26-year-old and commended the franchise for their excellent management.

“It's been nothing short of spectacular, to be honest. I spent a few months with him in the middle of the IPL last year, which was only sort of three or four months after his accident. And I had grave fears then that he would never play the game again. What he'd been through psychologically, but what he'd been through physically. At that stage, he still couldn't walk," he said.

“He was on crutches. And I remember saying to him, 'What do you think about next season'? He just looked at me and said, 'Don't worry, I'll be right'. And he's looked after himself incredibly well. The Delhi Capitals franchise has done a great job looking after him. Patrick Farhart has been his physio. He's done a great job with him as well”, the three-time ODI World Cup winner added.

Apart from his batting, Pant was exceptional with his glove work behind the stumps, dispelling doubts about his agility following a long injury layoff. Ponting said that everyone was skeptical about his wicket-keeping in the tournament for 14 matches in a row, but Pant proved them wrong. Pant was one of the players who arrived in New York ahead of their opening T20 World Cup match against Ireland on June 5 (Indian time). India is also set to play against Bangladesh in the only warm-up game on June 1.