Stuart Broad Backs Rishabh Pant T20 World Cup Squad Inclusion

With the excitement building around the impending announcement of India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, discussions are rife among fans and experts alike. One of the most contested positions in the squad is the wicketkeeper’s slot, with several contenders vying for the coveted spot. Amidst this competitive landscape, former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has thrown his support behind Rishabh Pant’s inclusion in the squad, emphasizing his readiness and impact on the field.

Speaking on Star Sports, Broad highlighted Pant’s recent form and match-winning abilities, asserting that the dynamic keeper-batter deserves a place in the squad. Reflecting on a breathtaking shot played by Pant during an IPL match against KKR, Broad expressed his conviction that such moments of brilliance make Pant a vital asset for India’s T20 campaign.

“The selection for the Indian team is up in the air a little bit. You have some players pending in that team. Rishabh Pant’s probably the one on whom there’s a lot of discussion about. There was a shot I saw him play against KKR, a no-look flick over deep square leg for six. The moment he played that shot, I thought, he has got to be in that T20 World Cup squad. He’s ready. He’s good to go,” remarked Broad.

However, Broad also acknowledged the importance of managing Pant’s workload effectively, considering his recent return to professional cricket after recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident. Pant, who captains the Delhi Capitals in the IPL, shoulders multiple responsibilities as a wicketkeeper and middle-order batsman. Broad emphasized the need to alleviate some of this pressure from Pant’s shoulders, suggesting the role of an impact sub in certain matches to optimize his performance.

“He has taken a huge amount on; he’s been out of the game for such a long period. He’s captain, he’s wicketkeeper, he’s batting 3, 4, 5. There’s a huge amount on his plate already. I’d like to see him be an Impact Sub in a couple of games, taking a bit of the workload off his shoulders. He’s a match-winner, so I think if I was the selector, he’d be my wicketkeeper in the World Cup squad,” Broad added.

As the anticipation mounts for the official announcement of India’s T20 World Cup squad, Broad’s endorsement adds weight to Pant’s credentials, highlighting his potential to be a game-changer on the global stage. With his explosive batting and agile wicketkeeping, Pant could be a crucial asset in India’s quest for T20 glory, provided his workload is managed judiciously to ensure peak performance when it matters most.