Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant on Wednesday (August 17) admitted that the team is “slightly nervous” as it prepares for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, slated to be held in Australia from October 16 to November 13.
Team India had failed to qualify for the knock-out round of the T20 World Cup last year, having lost the important matches to Pakistan and New Zealand in the group stage.
“With the World Cup around the corner, the whole team is slightly nervous, but at the same time, as a team, we love to give our 100 per cent and focus on our process. That’s the only thing we can do,” Pant said on the sidelines of an event, as quoted by PTI.
The Men in Blue haven’t lifted an ICC trophy since 2013 and the team is keen to end the drought this time around.
“Hopefully we’ll reach the final and do the best for the team,” Pant said.
“As (a part of) the Indian team, we’d love to have as many supporters as we can in Australia to back us. Every cheer counts for us. It makes us believe that we can win.”
Rishabh Pant has some great memories of playing in Australia. The southpaw had played a pivotal role in the Indian team’s historic victory in the 2020-21 Test series Down Under.
“It’s one of my favourite moments in my cricketing career so far. I’m glad that I could help my team cross the line that day and have that amazing Test match and series win,” Pant remarked.
He also praised the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, which will host the highly-anticipated India versus Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup 2022 on October 23.
“I think it’s an amazing atmosphere, playing at the MCG because it’s one of the most iconic cricket stadiums around the world. Especially the Indian crowd there is brilliant for us,” Pant said.
(With PTI inputs)
