IND vs IRE: "Rishabh Pant hasn't played..India need an Oomph factor"- Russell Arnold's striking verdict

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Russell Arnold opened up about Rishabh Pant batting at No. 3 for Team India during the T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up game against Bangladesh. Russell Arnold praised the Indian team management's decision to promote Rishabh Pant in their preparations for the ICC tournament.

The Rohit Sharma-led side recorded a convincing 60-run victory in the warm-up match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Saturday, June 1. The Indian team management made changes to their batting lineup. They didn't pick opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in the lone warm-up game.

Skipper Rohit Sharma and Sanju Samson opened the innings. Samson was dismissed for just one run off six balls in the second over. Rishabh Pant came to bat at No. 3 and scored 53 runs off 32 balls, including four boundaries and four sixes. Pant got himself retired after reaching the half-century mark.

Rishabh Pant Has Not Played For A Long Time - Russell Arnold

Speaking to Star Sports, Russell Arnold emphasized that Rishabh Pant regained confidence ahead of India's campaign in the T20 World Cup. Arnold stated that scoring runs was vital regardless of his position in the batting order.

"I like the way he played the move. You understand that Rishabh Pant has not played for a long time. So to be amongst the runs and feel good about himself is absolutely crucial. Even if he's coming in the middle, it is about having runs behind him. It is about the feel-good factor. So the decision was a good one," said Arnold.

The Men in Blue put up a challenging total of 182 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs. Vice-captain Hardik Pandya played a crucial role, scoring 40 runs off 23 balls, including two boundaries and four sixes. Shivam Dube (14 off 16) and Ravindra Jadeja (4 off 6) failed to make an impact in the warm-up match.

They have An Extra Option - Russell Arnold

Russell Arnold stated that India's batting lineup has an extra option with Rishabh Pant's inclusion. He highlighted the advantage of having a left-hander like Pant early in the innings to provide momentum for the Indian team.

"Now they have an extra option. They need a left-hander early and need some oomph, and in comes Rishabh. So they created more options for themselves and will be a happy bunch. At the end of it," Arnold further added.

Rishabh Pant last played for the Indian team in a Test match against Bangladesh in 2022. The left-handed batter suffered a serious car accident in December 2022. However, he made a remarkable comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season after a 15-month absence from competitive cricket.

The 26-year-old scored 446 runs at an impressive average of 40.54 and a strike rate of 155.4, including three fifties. Pant also showcased his wicketkeeping skills with 16 dismissals behind the stumps. His impressive performances earned him selection for the World Cup alongside wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson.

Also read: IND vs IRE: "Inse nahi haarenge" - Suresh Raina on India vs Pakistan rivalry in T20 World Cup 2024