Renowned former England captain, Nasser Hussain, is optimistic about the return of Indian cricket sensation Rishabh Pant in the upcoming year.
Hussain, an admirer of Pant’s aggressive playing style, anticipates the 26-year-old’s comeback in 2024, aiming to make a significant impact on the field.
Pant had been sidelined due to a severe car crash last year, but the resilient wicket-keeper/batter is on a robust recovery path, with expectations of returning before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.
Expressing his admiration for Pant’s journey, Hussain remarked, “It was a serious accident, and the entire world held its breath. The recovery has been gradual. Following him on social media, from initial steps to gym sessions and glimpses of him playing cricket, including moments with Ricky (Ponting). I traveled with Ricky during the Ashes, and he was checking on Pant’s progress. He is a cricket sensation.”
During Pant’s absence, KL Rahul has excelled as a wicketkeeper, notably performing exceptionally well in the recent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, accumulating 452 runs at an impressive average of 75.33.
“India has performed admirably without Pant, thanks to KL’s brilliance in all formats,” acknowledged Hussain. “Having both of them is a blessing, but Rishabh Pant, pre-injury, was a game-changer, and hopefully, post-injury, he will continue to be one.”
While India boast a wealth of batting talent, Hussain is particularly bullish on young opener Shubman Gill, predicting a standout year for him in 2024.
Gill’s promising performance in 2023, coupled with the learning experience alongside stalwart Rohit Sharma, has Hussain convinced that the budding talent will ascend to stardom and become a pivotal player on the global stage.
“Gill had an impressive three-quarters or nine-tenths of 2023. Learning from the likes of Rohit Sharma was invaluable. Although he faced a setback towards the end, possibly due to illness, we tend to be too hasty in our assessments in the broadcasting world. He is a phenomenal talent and is poised to be India’s sensation for years to come. Here’s to a stellar 2024 for him,” Hussain expressed optimistically.
