Delhi: Delhi Capitals (DC) assistant coach and former Australian team all-rounder James Hopes said that captain and star wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant gave an all-round performance in his team's victory. Pant played an important role in Delhi's victory against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Wednesday. DC bowled out the home team for just 89 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium and achieved the target in just 8.5 overs. Pant scored unbeaten 16* runs in 11 balls, in which he hit 1 six and 1 four. After winning by 6 wickets, Delhi captain was awarded the Player of the Match award. He got this title for his wicketkeeping talent and excellent captaincy.

45-year-old James Hopes said, “People work hard on fielding. They work really hard for this and tonight they got the result, which makes me happy. Last year we worked really hard to fill that gap (Rishabh Pant was not available as wicketkeeper).”

He further said, “Look, if the world's best keeper (Rishabh Pant) is not there, it is really difficult to cover a world-class keeper. Now Rishabh Pant is back and you can see everything about his game, his keeping, his captaincy has become very good, his batting has been good since the beginning of the tournament. Pant is captaining well at this time.”

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Pietersen claimed, Pant will play in T20 World Cup 2024

Speaking to Star Sports, the former England captain praised Pant and pointed out how the wicketkeeper batsman looks ready to play in the T20 World Cup.

43-year-old Pietersen said, “He (Pant) is doing a very good job. I felt that today (Wednesday) he must have got a lot of courage. This would have increased the enthusiasm of Team India also. He needs match time. Sure, everyone needs it. He is coming back from a terrible injury, so he should get more match time and to play 14,15,16,17 matches to take himself to the T20 World Cup is a big thing. So if he (DC) plays that much cricket, he (Pant) will be ready to make his place in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup.”

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