MUMBAI: In a few days’ time, the Indian team will launch its campaign to defend the T20 Asia Cup in UAE. However, excitement has already begun to build around a much bigger event, the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, that follows it in October-November.
Knocked out in the league stage the last time when they suffered defeats at the hands of Pakistan and New Zealand, India would be itching to do better this time. On Wednesday, star ‘keeper-bat Rishabh Pant revealed that, with just about a couple of months left for the T20 World Cup, Team India was beginning to experience a few nerves about the event.
“Absolutely, especially 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% and focus on our process. That’s the only thing we can do…give our 100% as individuals and as a team,” Pant said. “Hopefully we’ll reach the final and do the best for the team,” he added.
India will launch their campaign on October 23 against arch-rivals Pakistan at a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the Men-in-Blue are naturally banking on their vast set of fans to turn up at the ground in huge numbers to cheer for them as usual. “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,” said Pant.
Like most cricketers, the 24-year-old batting gun loves to play at the iconic MCG ground, a cricketing colossus. “I think It’s an amazing atmosphere, playing at the MCG because it’s one of the most iconic cricket stadiums around the world. So, I would love to play there. Especially the Indian crowd there is brilliant for us,” said the youngster, at the event organized by ‘Visit Victoria’.
Australia is a country where Pant has sizzled with the bat in the past-few would forget his blazing, unbeaten 89 which helped India chase down 329 and score a stunning three-wicket win over Australia in the final Test at the Gabba- a knock which also helped India seal a famous series triumph 2-1. “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,” he said.
Like most Delhiites, Pant too is a food buff. “I’m a foodie person. I love food. But most of the time I’m playing cricket so I’m on a strict diet. I’d love to explore Melbourne and Victoria for other things also…like food and coffee,” he said.
With no bio-bubbles to endure now, Pant is keen to explore Melbourne and Victoria with his teammates during the tournament. “I’d love to explore Melbourne more. See the forests and beaches. There are so many teammates of mine whom I’d love to take with me (to explore… Avesh Khan, Ishan Kishan, Shubhman Gill, maybe Rohit bhai also..there are so many of them,” he said.
Pant also congratulated Victoria for hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
