T20 World Cup 2024: India Coach Chooses Rishabh Pant for Number 3, Suryakumar Yadav Misses Out
Rishabh Pant batted at number 3 against Ireland in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 opener.
India’s batting order for the T20 World Cup 2024 opener against Ireland surprised many. The usual opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal was replaced with a reshuffle. Virat Kohli, the veteran batter, moved up to open alongside the captain.
This shuffle led to speculation about the number three position. Suryakumar Yadav, known for his explosive batting, seemed like the natural choice. However, it was Rishabh Pant who stepped out to bat at number three and ultimately secured the win for India.
After the match, India’s batting coach, Vikram Rathour, hinted at a potential long-term role for Pant at number three.
“He has been batting really well,” Rathour said at a press conference. “The two games he’s played, he’s looked really good. So yes, at the moment he is our number three, and it helps that he’s a left-hander.”
The 26-year-old remained unbeaten on an impressive 36 runs off just 26 deliveries, including three fours and two towering sixes. Earlier, the Indian captain provided an explosive start to the run-chase by scoring a half-century from just 36 balls.
With Pant flourishing at number three, it remains to be seen at which position Suryakumar Yadav will now bat at for the Men in Blue. India will face Pakistan in their next face-off on 9th June.
