"That is where I feel Rohit Bhai got an extra spinner" - Rishabh Pant ahead of India's West Indies leg of the T20 World Cup 2024
Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant believes the Men in Blue are ready for the conditions in the West Indies after qualifying for the Super 8 phase of the T20 World Cup 2024. India beat the USA comfortably by seven wickets on Wednesday, June 12, to seal their place in the next stage of the competition to be played in the Caribbean.
Pant opened up on how big a role spin could play in the Caribbean conditions and claimed that it was one of the main reasons behind skipper Rohit Sharma wanting an extra spinner in the squad.
Speaking alongside Australian legend Ricky Ponting in a video posted by ICC, Rishabh Pant said about the conditions in the West Indies:
"As a team we had discussed that this is the leg where spin will play a big part and that is were I feel Rohit Bhai got an extra spinner in the team. But at the same time as a team we are taking one match at a time and giving our best at a given day."
Pant also shed light on how much the Indian team enjoyed the atmosphere in the three games they played in New York and how it was a unique experience for them to play cricket in the USA.
Always good to have him on my side: Rishabh Pant on Ricky Ponting
Rishabh Pant has worked alongside Ricky Ponting, the head coach of the wicketkeeper's IPL franchise - the Delhi Capitals.
The southpaw is grateful for the help he has received from the former Australian skipper over the years and spoke about why their bond was so special.
"I know he (Ponting) is someone who always has my back. If I have some thought process or I want to discuss something, he is always there. Not only this year, he has been there around for a while. Always good to have him on my side," Pant said.
"He (Ponting) will give you his insights but he will also let you make your own decisions. Unless your decision is not personal, you will not trust your process. He is always there to correct me if I go wrong," he added.
Rishabh Pant has had quite an impactful T20 World Cup so far with 96 runs from three innings at an average of 48. One of the better players of spin in the Indian line-up, Pant's role will be even more vital for the Men in Blue in the Super 8 phase and beyond.