'God told Rishabh Pant, you're too young to come upstairs' - Ravi Shastri makes massive revelation

Ravi Shastri has revealed just how committed Rishabh Pant was to return to high-profile cricket after being on the sidelines for more than a year.

The wicketkeeper-batsman was out of action for almost a year and a half as he recovering from the injuries that he sustained in the horrific car accident in December 2022. He did not play a single game in 2023 and also missed the home series against Afghanistan and England this year before making his much-awaited return to action in the IPL.

Many were expecting him to only bat in the IPL at least in the early stages but Rishabh Pant left the cricketing world stunned by playing as a wicketkeeper from the very first game. He went on to enjoy a fine campaign in the IPL to earn a place in the India squad for the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. In the IPL, he scored 466 runs in 13 games with the help of 3 fifties.

He has looked in good form in the T20 World Cup as well. While many expected Sanju Samson to get the nod as the wicketkeeper-batsman, the team management showed faith in Rishabh Pant and he has very much justified the decision so far,

After scoring 53 in the warm-up game against Bangladesh, the southpaw scored an unbeaten 36 against Ireland in India's tournament opener. He then scored 42 against Pakistan and was India's top scorer in the match.

Rishabh Pant has been most impressive: Ravi Shastri

Speaking on Star Sports, Ravi Shastri opened up on the remarkable commitment shown by Rishabh Pant for his swift return to international cricket. The former India allrounder and head coach praised Pant for his hard work and revealed that the Delhi star was carrying his own chef during the IPL to stay in shape.

"I think he (Rishabh) has been most impressive, batting everybody new. But his keeping range of movement has been fabulous. As he said, 'Not often do you get two opportunities. God doesn't give you two opportunities to live'.

"It's literally God telling him, You're too young to come upstairs. Why don't you stay downstairs, play your cricket, and we'll see you later, and he's given him that opportunity. He's realised that, and he's worked his backside off," Shastri said.

"For me, the first impression when I saw Rishabh was all trimmed up. Ricky (Ponting) mentioned he was with DC and that he was carrying his own chef. So it is that awareness that he has come to play at the highest level and come back and do the things he was doing, or even better. He's got to work really, really hard.

"So realisation has sunk in, and it's made all the difference and is fabulous. You can see what X factor he brings in with the bat, I thought his keeping has been that that's something that surprised everyone. Especially the footwork, the way he's moving behind the stump... Not easy. 18 months before, when you saw him in hospital, you know, you would never have imagined he would come back and play," Shastri added.

Meanwhile, Team India have booked their spot in the Super 8s of the ongoing T20 World Cup after ending their group stage unbeaten. They won their first three games before the fourth game against Canada was abandoned due to wet outfield.