Pant, Pandya Shine as India Begins T20 World Cup with Victory

India's batting coach Vikram Rathour has confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will continue to bat at No. 3 in the T20 World Cup following his impressive performance against Ireland. Rathour also expressed his satisfaction with having a fully-fit Hardik Pandya back in the squad, both of whom played crucial roles in India's victory over Ireland on Wednesday.

Pant and Pandya, who made their return to international cricket after a long hiatus due to injuries, showcased their skills in India's eight-wicket triumph in their opening game of the tournament. On a challenging pitch with uneven bounce, Pant's unbeaten 36 included a stunning reverse-scoop six, highlighting his return to form after a horrific car accident in December 2022.

"Yes, he has been batting really well. The two games (warm-up and Ireland) he has played, he has looked really, really good," Rathour told the media after the match at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium. "At the moment, he is our No. 3 and it helps that he is a left-hander," Rathour added, confirming Pant's spot in the lineup alongside skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli at the top.

Both Pant and Pandya demonstrated their fitness and form during the IPL, paving their way back into the India squad for the T20 World Cup. Despite a challenging season as captain for Mumbai Indians, Pandya's skills as an all-rounder were highly valued by India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

In the match against Ireland, Pandya's performance with the ball was remarkable. He delivered a precise spell, taking three wickets for 27 runs in his four overs, marking his first match since October 2023 when he had to leave the field due to an ankle injury during a game against Bangladesh.

"Hardik looked really good. Hardik has been — I mean, even in the practice game and even in the practice — bowling really well," Rathour noted. "He looks fit enough to go through four overs and he's been bowling with some pace and some accuracy, so yeah, it's great," he added.

India's positive start to the T20 World Cup, bolstered by the return of Pant and Pandya, sets a promising tone for their campaign as they continue to navigate the challenges of the tournament.

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