Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has lauded the return of Rishabh Pant to form during the IPL match against Gujarat Titans, suggesting that both Pant and the Indian team management should take heart from his display as the T20 World Cup approaches.
Pant's impactful performance included two catches, a stumping, and a crucial 16-run cameo, contributing significantly to Delhi Capitals' emphatic six-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans.
Notably, Pant's excellence behind the stumps earned him the 'Player of the Match' award, a rare feat in IPL history.
Assessing Pant's performance, Pietersen emphasised the significance of his mobility, particularly following his recovery from a severe injury sustained in a car crash in 2022.
Pietersen stressed the importance of game time for Pant's preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup, suggesting that participating in the full slate of IPL matches would bolster his readiness for the global tournament.
Pietersen also commended Pant's astute captaincy during the game, noting his tactical use of resources to dismantle the opposition's batting lineup effectively.
Under Pant's leadership, Delhi Capitals restricted Gujarat Titans to a paltry total of 89 runs before comfortably chasing down the target within 8.5 overs.
The former England batter highlighted Pant's decision to persist with his key bowlers during the powerplay, eschewing the conventional approach of rotating multiple bowlers.
Pietersen praised Pant's strategic acumen in backing his strike bowlers and capitalising on their effectiveness with the new ball, which ultimately proved decisive in Delhi Capitals' commanding victory.
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