As the nation celebrated the return of Rishabh Pant in IPL 2024 after an 18-month long injury layoff, fans and experts were only concerned about the youngster’s wellbeing. But 45 days since his return, the near-fatal car crash and subsequent ligament reconstruction surgery have caused a concern in Rishabh’s batting. Even though he has excelled against pace attack, he has struggled against spin and that could be a worry for India Cricket Team in the T20 World Cup in USA & West Indies.
With four spinners in India’s T20 World Cup squad, India captain Rohit Sharma has already admitted that conditions will suit slow bowlers or spinners, especially in the West Indies. And there, Rishabh Pant could be struggling.
Rishabh Pant’s spin problem
Despite having one of the best IPL campaigns with over 400 runs in 12 matches and a strike rate of nearly 160, Rishabh Pant hasn’t been able to succeed against spin.
In fact, the Delhi Capitals captain has a strike rate of just 114.91 against spin. Five of his dismissals have come against leg-spinner including Tuesday when he fell to Yuzvendra Chahal. He takes around 9 deliveries to hit a boundary against spin.
In 12 innings, Pant has only been able to hit 7 fours and 6 sixes against spin with 40 dot balls out of 264 deliveries he has faced.
In contrast, Pant has struck at 188 against pace bowling.
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Injury to blame?
One of the reasons could be his knee injury, former New Zealand player Scott Styris pointed out. Against spin, a batter needs to move his leg more often, especially if the delivery is on the off side.
Rishabh Pant hasn’t been able to do so. His movements on the crease has ben restricted after going under the knife for reconstruction of all three ligaments on his right knee.
For Team India, in T20 World Cup, Rishabh Pant will play a crucial role at No 5 or 6. That is when the batter will need to go hammer and tongs. However, with Rishabh struggling against spin, India could be in trouble as all teams are watching the IPL 2024 to device a plan.
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