“I cried when I heard about Pant’s accident,” reveals Shastri

NEW YORK: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri was called to the dressing room to present the best fielder medal to Rishabh Pant after the team’s crucial six-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup match, and admitted that he was teary-eyed when he heard about the wicketkeeper-batsman’s life-threatening car accident in December 2022.

In Sunday’s thrilling match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, Pant scored a crucial 42 from 31 balls despite mistiming his start to his shot and being dropped four times. Wearing the keeper’s gloves, Pant caught three balls brilliantly and was adjudged the best Indian fielder in the match against Pakistan.

“I’ll just say to Rishabh. But first of all, the boys have performed brilliantly and have great character. But I had tears in my eyes when I heard about his accident. When I saw him in the hospital, it was even worse. And then for him to come back from there and be back in the A-zone and play one of the greatest games of all time, India against Pakistan, is heartwarming,” Shastri said in a video posted on bcci.tv.

Shastri also praised Pant’s wicketkeeping skills against Pakistan, remarking, “When you were batting, everyone knew what you could do, what an X-factor you had. But your wicketkeeping and the mobility you regained so quickly after the operation is a testament to how hard you worked.”

“Not only to yourself, it’s an inspiration to millions of people around the world that out of adversity, out of the jaws of death, you can also achieve victory. So well done, fantastic, and keep up the good work and keep going.”

Fielding coach T Dilip praised the Indian team for their sharp and committed performances on the field in a slow outfield. “What stood out was the sheer commitment to excellence in fielding which resulted in greatness today. In high-pressure situations, it is extremely important to be proactive and this game was a great example of that.”

“Like fielders going to hot spots, when the pitch was thrown, the support was there and everyone was looking at each other. It looked like everyone was working as a unit and that was an outstanding performance. That level of coordination between you guys is what makes us effective and what sets us apart from any other team.”

After India were bowled out for 119 in 19 overs, Pakistan could only score 113-7 in 20 overs and the Rohit Sharma-led side claimed their second win of the competition. They next face co-hosts USA in New York on Wednesday.

“It was a typical India-Pakistan match where the pendulum swung from one side to the other. It was a match that kept everyone on their toes, not just on the bench or in the dressing room. In the end, it is the team that seizes the big moment and holds its nerve, they (India) win,” Shastri concluded.