In the buildup to the highly anticipated T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has highlighted Rishabh Pant as India’s ‘wildcard’ player, overshadowing big names like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. Pant’s incredible journey from a near-fatal accident in December 2022 to leading Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 and earning a spot in India’s squad has been nothing short of inspirational.
Pant’s dynamic performances in the IPL, particularly his famous reverse scoop that sealed a game against Ireland in the tournament opener, have shown his exceptional class. Manjrekar, speaking on the ‘Caught and Bold’ show on Disney+ Hotstar, emphasized Pant’s potential impact in the final at Kensington Oval, Barbados on Saturday.
Pant’s performance
“I believe we’ll see who the big match player is, and my wildcard pick is Rishabh Pant,” Manjrekar stated, noting Pant’s promotion to the number three spot, where he has accumulated 171 runs in seven matches, boasting an average of 28.50 and a strike rate of 129.54.
India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, are eager to break their World Cup trophy drought. With Pant in a pivotal role, the team is poised to challenge South Africa in their maiden T20 World Cup final. India’s recent victories, including a significant win over England to secure their final spot, have built up considerable momentum.
Pant’s return to the field has added a new dimension to India’s lineup. His determination and skill have impressed fans and experts alike. As the Indian team looks to overcome past disappointments, Pant’s inclusion and performance will be crucial.
The final match is set to be a thrilling contest. While India seeks redemption after recent heartbreaks in ICC tournaments, South Africa aims to make history with their first T20 World Cup title. The game promises high stakes and intense action, and with rain potentially in the forecast, the reserve day might come into play.
As the cricketing world watches, Pant’s contribution could be the defining factor in India’s quest for glory. With seasoned players like Kohli and Rohit providing a solid foundation, Pant’s explosive batting might just be the edge India needs to clinch the trophy.