Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri was called upon by the team management to present Rishabh Pant with the accolade for being the best fielder during the Men in Blue’s thrilling six-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024 in New York on Sunday, June 9.
This tradition, initiated by fielding coach T Dilip during last year’s ODI World Cup, aims to recognize remarkable fielding displays in every match. In a tightly contested game where India defended a modest total of 119 runs, exemplary fielding was crucial to exert pressure on Pakistan, and the team rose to the occasion magnificently.
A video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) captured Dilip praising the players for their relentless efforts on the field. Special mention was made of Suryakumar Yadav for a sensational slip catch to dismiss Babar Azam and Arshdeep Singh for a remarkable swirling catch to send back Iftikhar Ahmed. However, it was Rishabh Pant who claimed the spotlight with three crucial catches, including a challenging one to dismiss Fakhar Zaman.
In the video, Ravi Shastri also shed light on Pant’s remarkable journey following a devastating car accident in December 2022. Shastri expressed his astonishment at Pant’s rapid recovery, attributing it to the player’s unwavering dedication and commitment.
The gesture not only celebrated Pant’s exceptional fielding prowess but also highlighted his resilience in overcoming adversity, earning admiration from teammates, management, and fans alike.
