'Getting back on the field with the Indian jersey on, it’s a different feeling altogether' - Rishabh Pant excited for India comeback

Rishabh Pant missed 14 months of cricket after suffering a horrific car accident in December 2022. However, the wicketkeeper-batter returned to action during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 and reminded the cricket fraternity about his exceptional talent.

Pant finished with 446 runs from 13 matches in IPL 2024, averaging 40.55 at a strike rate of 155.40. The Delhi Capitals skipper was rewarded for his consistent performances, as he was named in India's 15-man squad for the impending T20 World Cup 2024, set to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA. Pant could be playing his first international encounter in 16 months during the marquee event.

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Ahead of his much-awaited India comeback, the 26-year-old said that when he was injured, he missed wearing the Indian jersey and representing the nation.

“Getting back on the field with the Indian jersey on, it’s a different feeling altogether and this is something I missed a lot. I think seeing the teammates and meeting them again and spending time, having fun with them, enjoying having conversations with them really enjoying,” said Pant in a video shared by BCCI.

Pant reckoned that hosting the T20 World Cup will be a huge boon for the USA. He also shared that he is trying to get accustomed to the conditions during his time in America.

“We’re used to playing in different countries but this is a different prospect. It has opened up a different channel for sport because I feel cricket is growing around the world and getting in a country like the US and getting the exposure here would be nice for cricket and as well as USA cricket I guess. New pitches are there everything is getting set up, just getting used to the conditions I think the sun is little bit more brighter over here so just getting used to it. Hopefully, I make it count and make it more better from here,” he added.

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India play a solitary warm-up game against Bangladesh on June 1 in New York. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma and Co. will begin their World Cup campaign on June 5 against Ireland. Pant and Sanju Samson are the two specialist wicket-keepers picked in the squad. The latter also had a stunning IPL season, and it will be interesting to see who gets the nod in the playing XI.