Making his first official appearance for Team India since his severe car accident in December 2022, Rishabh Pant made a strong comeback with an impressive batting performance in India’s decisive win over Ireland, kicking off their T20 World Cup campaign.
Batting at No. 3 after India chose Virat Kohli as captain Rohit Sharma’s new opening partner, Pant scored an unbeaten 36 off 26 balls on a challenging pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
Following Hardik Pandya’s impressive bowling performance (3/27), which helped India dismiss Ireland for just 96 in 16 overs, India relied on Rohit Sharma’s half-century (52 off 37 balls) to reach the target in 12.2 overs, securing an eight-wicket victory.
Jasprit Bumrah was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding spell of 2 for 6. Arshdeep Singh took 2 for 35, while Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel each secured a wicket.
Rohit Sharma had to retire hurt after being struck on the arm by a delivery from Joshua Little. Rishabh Pant then stepped in to lead the team to victory. Virat Kohli managed only 1 run, and Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed for 2.
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“Pant Grateful to the Divine for International Cricket Comeback”
“Thank you, God, for giving me faith and belief,” posted India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Pant on social media, along with several images from India’s victory over Ireland.
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Pant made his initial return to the India jersey during the warm-up game against Bangladesh. However, India’s T20 World Cup opener against Ireland on Wednesday marked his first international match after a lengthy rehabilitation period following surgery for injuries sustained in the car accident.
Pant made his comeback to competitive cricket during the 2024 Indian Premier League season, where he captained the Delhi Capitals.
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India’s next match in the T20 World Cup will be against their arch-rivals Pakistan on June 9 at the same venue in New York. Alongside Ireland and Pakistan, India’s group also includes co-hosts USA and Canada.
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