Former Australia cricketer Shane Watson has lauded Rishabh Pant, who scored a fifty for Delhi Capitals (DC) in their recent win against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday. Pant made his cricketing return after 14 months in this IPL.
Pant had met with a terrible car accident in December 2022, and had to undergo multiple surgeries and intensive rehab and recovery. After spending a lot of time regaining his strength and skills back, Rishabh Pant has made his return captaining DC in IPL 2024.
Despite initial struggles in the tournament, Pant showcased his signature explosive batting style, scoring a crucial fifty with powerful boundaries and trademark one-handed sixes.
"It's inspirational, no question about it. You're not a true human being if you're not inspired by Rishabh Pant,” Watson said on Jio Cinema.
Pant's electrifying innings propelled Delhi Capitals to a 20-run victory over defending champions Chennai Super Kings, marking their first win of the season.
Watson described Pant's performance as "something special," highlighting the batsman's grit and courage. In reflecting on his time as the Delhi Capitals' assistant coach, Watson complimented Pant's dogged pursuit of perfection, highlighting his unflinching devotion to conquering hurdles.
"Knowing him, that doesn't surprise me," Watson remarked, acknowledging Pant's resilience and mental strength.
“It took him a little while to find his feet but once he let those shackles off, he played some ‘Rishabh Pant’ shots, and they were extraordinary. It really was something special.
“I thought it might take him a few games, if not towards the backend of the IPL, to be able to play an innings like that. But knowing him, that doesn’t surprise me. He’s so desperate to be the best he possibly can, and that showed tonight,” he added.
(With inputs from Firstpost / PTI)
