Former Australian cricket player Michael Clarke has shared his thoughts about Rishabh Pant’s April 3 performance against the Kolkata Knight Riders. In the Delhi Capitals’ crushing 106-run loss, Pant blasted a 25-ball 55, containing five sixes and four fours, while chasing an enormous 273. After overcoming the serious injuries he sustained in a potentially fatal vehicle accident in December 2022, Pant has resumed his cricket career, and Clarke has praised his perseverance. Pant spent months recovering at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, walked on crutches, and had three ligament reconstruction procedures before he was ready for the IPL.
Indeed, it is fantastic for Indian cricket, but it is also fantastic for Rishabh Pant.
The amount of work he put into his rehabilitation to return to that caliber of play by any measure is, in my opinion, an incredible accomplishment. It’s fantastic to see him on the field, captaining and performing well in both batting and keeping, and he deserves a lot of praise for his dedication.
Positively, he stated in the presentation that he was fine and that he would be ready for the next game after taking a day or two off. He appeared a little sore and a little ginger, and I saw the Delhi physio run out to the field a couple of times to check on him.
We want to see him play for Delhi, but we also want to see him return to the pitch and play for India as soon as possible. He’s a fantastic player, and everyone is pleased to see him back on the field,” Clarke stated on Star Sports’ Cricket Live.
Michael Clarke also talked about the decision by KKR to start Sunil Narine at first base.
Setting the tone with a blistering knock of 85 off just 39, including seven fours and as many sixes, Narine was the main contributor to KKR’s record score of 272.
“You know, you can afford to take that chance with Narine because KKR’s batting is so deep. Hence, I believe it to be a wise choice. His style of play, in my opinion, is maximal risk, so you have to be willing to accept that it won’t always be as successful as you’d like or as successful as a specialized batter. But I believe it’s a wise choice, that it fits their batting lineup, and that you’ll see him there the entire IPL,” Clarke stated. “I think he has done it before, he has done it well, and he strikes the ball as cleanly as anyone.”
Also read: During DC vs. KKR, Rishabh Pant explains the DRS mishap
In addition, Clarke gave kudos to 18-year-old Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who scorched a fast-bowling half-century (54 off 27) and made sure that Narine’s bat was not the only source of destruction for the DC bowlers. “It was amazing to watch him bat tonight.
What a young, talented, and elegant player! He was given an early opportunity. He is incredibly gifted and has all the necessary skills to play both onside and offside soccer. He also has exquisite hands with the ball. Tonight, he had the chance to put his skills on display.
Without a doubt, in the future, we will be seeing a lot of this young man. I believe it will also help him become more confident, and since KKR has a strong lineup and a lot of stock, they should have a successful season.
Moreover, Clarke praised Andre Russell’s play this season. The final touches to KKR’s record innings came from Russell and Rinku Singh’s cameos, which followed Narine and Raghuvanshi’s attack at the top of the order.
“Andre Russell appears to be in the best shape I’ve seen.” I’m pretty familiar with Andre, and I know how hard he works to maintain his fitness and strength. However, from what I’ve seen of him recently, he appears fit and slender, and his ability to bat and bowl is likely due to the hard work he puts in.
His ability to misjudge the ball and still smash a six-figure score is incredible, and his power striking is on par with anyone in the world of cricket. He is, in my opinion, also a significant bowler. He bowls during the powerplay, has strong middle-overs, and his death bowling is also a valuable tool. I believe that he is and has always been a significant member of KKR, and this season will be no exception,” he stated.
Speaking about Andre Russell’s bowling skills this season, was former Indian cricketer L Balaji. He’s experimenting a lot this season, and the changes are unquestionably coming together. This season, he appears to be in perfect shape, and his confidence in the bat is translating to his bowling. He will undoubtedly benefit from this season’s confidence and conviction in his bowling, which is a huge plus for the KKR bowling lineup.
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