In preparation for the June 1 warm-up against Bangladesh, India's wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has joined his teammates for his first practice session in New York. After nearly a year and a half away from the national team, Pant is back for the T20 World Cup. His journey back to the top began in April during the IPL, where he successfully captained the Delhi Capitals.
Rishabh Pant, India’s wicketkeeper-batter, attended his first net session with the team in New York ahead of the T20 World Cup warm-up match against Bangladesh on June 1. Pant returns to the Indian team for the main event after nearly 17 months away. He returned to professional cricket in April in the Indian Premier League, when he also led his team, the Delhi Capitals.
Despite the lingering effects of a horrific car accident, Pant managed to play the entire IPL season and perform his duties behind the stumps. The 26-year-old opened up about his return, explaining that the isolation of recovering at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) made him realize how much he missed the presence and support of his teammates.
Pant shared his emotions in a BCCI video, emphasizing that there's nothing quite like the feeling of representing India on the field again. For him, the highlight wasn't just the cricket, but the simple joy of reuniting with his teammates, sharing laughs, and catching up after so long.
He also commented on the novelty of playing in the United States, noting that it's a departure from the usual venues. Pant believes that expanding the game's reach into the US market is a positive move that will benefit both the global sport of cricket and the development of the game within America.
Pant concluded by saying he's currently focusing on acclimating to the local conditions and hopes to make a significant impact. Looking ahead, India kicks off their World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5, followed by a highly anticipated showdown with Pakistan on June 9.