Rishabh’s comeback as keeper is heartening to see: T Dilip

When Rishabh Pant was confirmed to play in the IPL 2024, it raised concerns that the franchise were trying to rush the comeback. However, he vindicated the decision with batting precision, which led to his inclusion in the Indian T20 side for the T20 World Cup. 

In the World Cup, on a challenging New York surface, Pant has been able to bide time, but his wicket-keeping has been super impressive. Indian fielding coach T Dilip is extremely impressed with his approach.

“The best thing is that Rishabh has done so well in his comeback. Especially the batting is considered to be very good. But one of the good things about him is the way he came back as a wicketkeeper. Especially with an injury he had, to come back as a wicket-keeper and do that lateral movement, so that is very heartening to see,” Indian fielding coach T Dilip said in the pre-match press conference ahead of India's clash against Canada in Florida on June 15 (Saturday).

“And coming to your question about the batting differently, having different plans in the match, it's a strategy, it's something which Rishabh always does, is that he tries everything in practice whatever comes in a match so that he is well prepared with his options whatever he wants to try in a match.”

The New York surface has not only been criticized for its dangerous nature but also because the outfield seemed soft, thus increasing the injury risk. That led to many fielders being extra cautious and sometimes not attempting to outrun a boundary attempt.

“Our biggest quality is to adapt. Yes, it is soft, but that also gives another challenge where what best we can do in these circumstances. I am very happy for the players that we have followed the intent and attacking nature in these circumstances. That's one of the good things about the boys. But also, as a unit, we are out there trying to make a difference. So, every run is counted, every dive. So, the little things which were given a lot of detail to it,” Dilip added.

“We have never talked about the injury part. Yes, it is a soft outfield, a little sand-based, so it can be a little difficult to dive, but still, as a group, we try to keep that intent going where we have an advantage when the outfield is soft and the ball goes a little slow. It also gives an opportunity for the outfielders to attack on the ball. So that was our conscious as a group.”

The Indian Cricket Team have been a major source of promoting cricket in the United States due to the massive Indian-origin diaspora present in and around New York city. They have flocked to the stadium in massive numbers, thus increasing the appetite. 

“Firstly, it's great to be here because cricket is not the main sport here. But we can see a lot of fans here who are enthusiastic but also the encouragement we get. As an Indian cricketer, we never feel that we are away from home because most of the time we get that encouragement. 

“But good to see that cricket is being spread all over the country and especially these kinds of places where the infrastructure is getting better and I'm sure the pitches over a period will get better with the playing. But as a group, we are enjoying here out there. Whether it's playing or off the field, we have been really nice,” Dilip added.

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