NEW DELHI: Indian wicketkeeper-batter
Rishabh Pant
engaged in an intense nets practice session on Tuesday, gearing up for India's opening match against Ireland in the
ICC T20 World Cup
, scheduled for Wednesday in New York.
The Men in Blue, who clinched the inaugural T20 World Cup title in 2007, are determined to secure their first ICC trophy since their triumphant campaign at the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.
Pant, a crucial player for India, recently made his comeback to competitive cricket during the IPL 2024 as the captain of Delhi Capitals, following a life-threatening car accident in December 2022.
Despite Delhi Capitals finishing sixth with seven wins and losses, Pant emerged as the team's leading run-scorer, amassing 446 runs in 13 matches at an impressive strike rate of over 155, including three half-centuries.
In the warm-up game against Bangladesh at the Nassau County Stadium in New York, Pant showcased his top form, scoring a quick-fire 53 off just 32 balls, featuring four boundaries and four sixes, contributing significantly to India's 60-run victory.
During the last couple of days, the Indian team participated in two practice sessions, with senior players like
Virat Kohli
and captain Rohit Sharma joining on day one. Pant, in particular, put in the hard yards in the nets, taking on the bowling of Axar Patel and Avesh Khan with some impressive hits.
As India prepares to face Ireland, Pant is expected to play his first international match since the accident, marking a significant milestone in his comeback journey.
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