Rishabh Pant is finally performing at his best in the batting and wicket-taking departments. He was named the Player of the Match in the Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals match in IPL 2024. He was not the highest run-scorer, nor did he take a wicket. For the first time in IPL history, a player got the award based on his wicket-taking. He took two catches and stumped two batters in Delhi’s win by 6 wickets.

Mukesh Kumar would have been the choice any other day, as he took three wickets and restricted Gujarat to 89 runs. Chasing 90 runs, Pant struck an unbeaten 16 runs, but that was hardly a significant contribution considering the target.

Pant’s overall display in the 17th season finally impressed Ambati Rayudu, who, for the first time, admitted that the southpaw is ready for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Rayudu had spoken in favour of Dinesh Karthik regarding a wicketkeeper’s slot for the global tournament. He wanted the selectors to go with DK instead of Rishabh Pant.

However, he took a u-turn and backed Rishabh Pant. “Rishabh Pant is ready for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He has done a magnificent job since his return to cricket and Delhi Capitals are now looking good under his captaincy,” he said.

His comment surprised Irfan Pathan, who had categorically rejected Karthik’s return and urged the selectors to prefer Pant over the senior wicketkeeper.

“Finally, Rayudu has admitted that Part is ready for the World Cup. This is good,” Irfan Pathan said.

Rayudu tried to come clean. “I never said that Rishabh was not ready. i was talking about the lower order batter and why Dinesh Karthik’s batting position could benefit the Indian team,” Rayudu said.

However, Ambati lacked support and Irfan had a good laugh after seeing Rayudu taking a U-turn.

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