'He is one of the top batsmen in the world...' - India's former bowler Madan Lal opines about star batter ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

India's former World Cup-winning bowler, Madan Lal, praised the star batter Rishabh Pant who is in mindblowing form in the ongoing IPL 2024. He has played some terrific match-winning knocks as a captain which has helped DC win some unexpected games in the league. Moreover, talking about the batter, Lal said he has high hopes for him and expects him to perform well in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. 

"In a word, it (Pant's comeback) is superb. If India wants to win (the T20 World Cup), he needs to perform well. It is as simple as that. He is a class act. At the moment, he is one of the top batsmen in the world. It depends on him, what position the team gives him, and how they use him," said Madan Lal as quoted by TOI. 

Rishabh Pant has made a brilliant comeback to cricket after facing a life-threatening accident almost a year ago. His current performance shows his passion for the team as making such comebacks after severe injury is commendable. So far, he has smashed 398 runs in 11 innings at an average of 44.22 and a strike rate of 158.56 including 3 half-centuries in IPL 2024.

'I think he has done quite well recently...' - Madan Lal's approval on Shivam Dube's selection

Out of all the players selected in the team, Shivam Dube's selection seems to be fair considering his form in the ongoing IPL 2024. The left-hander has smashed 350 runs in ten matches with a strong strike rate of 172.41 and an average of 58.33. The way he has attacked the pacers along with the spinners is appreciable. Hence, Madan Lal is quite satisfied with the inclusion of Shivam Dube in the 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. 

"I think Shivam Dube has done quite well recently. And thus, the selection is ideal for me. He is the best hitter of the ball (at the moment). And that's why I think they have picked Dube ahead of Rinku Singh," added Lal.