Former West Indies batting legend Vivian Richards had a special praise for Rishabh Pant after the Team India's win against Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Saturday, June 22.
The Men in Blue inched closer to sealing their semifinal spot with a 50-run win over Bangladesh. After posting a total of 196/5, thanks to unbeaten 50 by Hardik Pandya alongside vital contributions from Virat Kohli (37), Rishabh Pant (36) and Shivam Dube (34), Indian bowling attack restricted Bangladesh to 146/8 in 20 overs.
Kuldeep Yadav led India's bowling attack by taking 3 wickets while conceding just 19 runs, while Arshdeep Singh (2/36) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/13) picked two wickets each.
Apart from India's bowling, players displayed brilliant fielding effort throughout Bangladesh's run-chase. In a video shared by Indian Cricket Team on its Instagram handle, fielding coach T Dilip was seen announcing the contenders for the Best Fielder medal and invited Vivian Richards to India's dressing room to present it to Suryakumar Yadav.
When requested by T Dilip to give a few words to the Indian players, Vivian Richards lauded the Men in Blue's campaign in the tournament but served a special praise for Rishabh Pant.
“Panty, It’s great to see you back man…What you would have been through, we would have missed that. Great talent and exactly what you have to offer in the future." former West Indies legend said.
RIshabh Pant went towards Viv Richards to give him a hug and the West Indies called wicketkeeper-batter 'pocket rocket'.
Rishabh Pant is playing his first international tournament ever since his return to competitive cricket after being on the sidelines for 15 months due to injuries sustained from fatal car crash in Delhi-Dehradun Highway on January 1, 2023.
Rishabh Pant has been in a good form in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, amassing 152 runs at an average of 38.00 in five matches.
Pant will look to continue his form in India's final Super 8 clash against Australia at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia's Gros Islet. The Men in Blue will aim to seal their semifinal berth by defeating Mitchell Marsh-led Aussies.
