‘He has a lot of hurdles to cross’ – Zaheer Khan on Rishabh Pant’s chances at T20 World Cup 2024

Rishabh Pant (Photo Source: Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

With the T20 World Cup 2024 looming on the horizon, the Indian team has been hard at work as they prepare for the mega event that is slated to begin on June 2. Ahead of the tournament, there have been many discussions over who will be India’s number one pick for the wicketkeeper position.

Many experts came forward to talk about how star batter Rishabh Pant could be India’s pick for the wicketkeeper position. However, former pacer Zaheer Khan had a differing opinion. Zaheer came forward to talk about Pant’s chances to make it to India’s squad for the T20 World Cup and opined that he will not make it to the squad even if he does well in the IPL 2024.

“If you see Rishabh Pant’s journey, the turn he has gone through is not easy for any player. Firstly, everyone who is attached to cricket will be happy once he comes back on the field. He has a lot of hurdles to cross,” Zaheer Khan said in a discussion on Colors Cineplex.

“Firstly, he has to come back and play. It’s not easy at this level. You need to get used to it and get the rhythm back. Those things might take time. It’s great if it doesn’t. However, keeping all things in mind, even if he has a very good IPL, I don’t think the team will be thinking in that direction,” he added.

I feel it will be KL Rahul and Jitesh Sharma: Pragyan Ojha

Furthermore, many other experts had a similar opinion as that of Zaheer Khan. Former cricketer Pragyan Ojha also talked about how KL Rahul and Jitesh Sharma could be the better picks for the Men in Blue ahead of Pant. 

“Based on what I am seeing, I feel it will be KL Rahul and Jitesh Sharma. Rishabh Pant’s name will always be taken because of the impact he has made. However, it needs to be seen how he proves his fitness,” Ojha said.