T20 World Cup 2024: "The Moment he did that I knew he will be India's wicketkeeper.."- England Great reveals his choice

Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad backed Rishabh Pant's inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, stressing that the wicketkeeper-batter is fully ready to shine on the biggest stage in the USA and Caribbean.

Broad highlighted that the T20 World Cup 2024 selection process for the Indian cricket team is fairly uncertain, with several players under consideration. However, he noted that Pant is among the top players who are in major discussion for the showpiece event.

Reflecting on a particular shot Pant played against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing IPL 2024, a no-look flick over deep square leg for six, Broad said that Delhi Capitals’ (DC) shot convinced him to back him for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad.

Rishabh Pant will be my wicketkeeper in the T20 World Cup squad: Stuart Broad

Notably, the left-hander made a remarkable comeback to the action with the ongoing IPL 2024 following a miraculous recovery from injuries sustained in a horrific car accident in December 2022. He is presently showcasing his resilience and skill as a wicketkeeper-batsman for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the ongoing IPL season.

Pant is presently the top scorer for his team, the Delhi Capitals (DC), in the ongoing IPL 2024, with 210 runs in 7 matches so far, showing consistency with the bat and impressive skills behind the stumps.

Stuart Broad said on Star Sports: “The selection for the Indian team is up in the air a little bit. You have some players pending in that team. Rishabh Pant’s probably the one on whom there’s a lot of discussion about.

There was a shot I saw him play against KKR, a no-look flick over deep square leg for six. The moment he played that shot, I thought, he has got to be in that T20 World Cup squad. He’s ready. He’s good to go.”

Stuart Broad wants DC to rest Rishabh Pant for a couple of IPL 2024 matches

The former England pacer stressed the importance of effectively managing the 26-year-old star’s workload, considering that he is returning to the game after more than a year. With the responsibilities of captaincy, wicketkeeping, and batting in the middle order, Pant already has a significant burden on his shoulders.

So, Broad wants DC to ease his workload by using him as an impact sub in a few IPL 2024 matches, allowing him to recharge and stay fresh. Broad signed off by saying, “He has taken a huge amount on; he’s been out of the game for such a long period. He’s captain, he’s wicketkeeper, he’s batting 3, 4, 5. There’s a huge amount on his plate already.

I’d like to see him be an Impact Sub in a couple of games, taking a bit of the workload off his shoulders. He’s a match-winner, so I think if I was the selector, he’d be my wicketkeeper in the World Cup squad.”

Notably, Pant will be seen in action in the 35th game of the ongoing IPL 2024 when the Delhi Capitals (DC) will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 20 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.