Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan praised Rishabh Pant ‘s exceptional performance at the T20 World Cup 2024, highlighting the wicketkeeper-batter’s excellence both with the gloves and the bat.

During India‘s victorious T20 World Cup campaign, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant excelled both behind and in front of the stumps. He took 13 catches and completed 1 stumping, while also amassing 171 runs at a solid average of 24.42 and an impressive strike rate of 127.61 across eight innings.

“Firstly, in terms of keeping, has been truly exceptional. With 14 dismissals, he has shattered the previous record of 10 dismissals by a wicketkeeper in a single World Cup tournament. Many of his catches have been outstanding, making his achievement all the more remarkable,” Pathan said on Star Sports.

With the possible exception of the Super 8 match against Australia, Pathan noted that the 26-year-old had an excellent tournament with the gloves.

“He faced heavy criticism for his performance in one particular game, which left him visibly unhappy. However, apart from that isolated incident, his overall keeping skills were exceptional and played a crucial role,” he added.

The former all-rounder also singled out Pant’s catch of Imad Wasim in the highly intense game against Pakistan.

“The inside-edge catch that he took against Pakistan was very crucial. If that catch had not been taken, and the ball had gone for four runs instead, it would have put immense pressure on Arshdeep. That could have potentially cost the team the game. His sharp reflexes and excellent keeping were instrumental in the outcome,” he continued.

Pathan then went on to talk about Pant’s batting saying that the southpaw is fearless like Rohit Sharma and needs to be backed up by the team.

“Discussing his batting, India lacked the freedom after losing the first wicket. Our conservative approach held us back in past World Cups, until he brought that vital fearlessness to the team. While we may criticize his risky shots at times, that aggressive style is simply his game,” he elaborated.

“Just as we have supported other cricketers in the past, we must also back Rishabh Pant. Along with Rohit Sharma, Pant has brought a fearless, X-factor style of play to the top order of the Indian team – the kind of dynamic, modern cricket that fans crave,” Pathan continued.