IPL 2020: ‘He is a major asset, a worry for bowlers,’ Brian Lara lavishes praise on Delhi Capitals youngster | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

IPL 2020: ‘He is a major asset, a worry for bowlers,’ Brian Lara lavishes praise on Delhi Capitals youngster

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | Byhindustantimes.com
Oct 09, 2020 11:21 AM IST

IPL 2020: With scores of 31, 37*, 28, 38, 37, the youngster has gotten starts in all matches of the Indian Premier League 2020, and Brian Lara reckons it’s due to the major changes he’s brought in his batting.

The IPL has proven to be a wonderful platform for youngsters hoping to one day play for their country to make a mark. But at the same time, it is also a stage for players who have already played for the national team but are seeking a resurgence in form. Amid the current crop of Indian players, names of Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant come to mind who are heavily banking on a good IPL to get a shot at the Indian team with back to back T20 World Cups approaching.

IPL 2020, RR vs DC: The Delhi Capitals youngster has shown tremendous improvement, reckons Brian Lara(Delhi Capitals/Twitter)
IPL 2020, RR vs DC: The Delhi Capitals youngster has shown tremendous improvement, reckons Brian Lara(Delhi Capitals/Twitter)

Also Read | IPL 2020 Full Coverage

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Former West Indies captain Brian Lara recognises a special talent when he sees one, and among the current bunch of youngsters, the legendary West Indies batsman has seen Pant as someone who has made massive improvements in his batting. Calling Pant an asset, Lara feels the youngster has worked heavily on his game square off the wicket rather than depending entirely on the leg-side.

Also Read | RR vs DC Preview: Struggling Royals look for inspiration in Sharjah against on song Capitals

“I think he is a major asset for the Delhi Capitals, but today he has also vastly improved his game. I am talking about his batting and the improvements he made in that department. On what is immediately noticeable is his propensity to try and get everything to the leg-side,” Lara said on the Byju’s Cricket Live show on Star Sports.

Also Read | Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI vs Delhi Capitals: RR may bring in experienced India cricketer against DC in Sharjah

“Also, look at his run scoring chart and that’s quite a proof of that fascination he has with the on-side. I think he has come to the realisation that this is not working and he went away and worked on improving his off-side play.”

Pant had a wonderful 2018 season of the IPL, scoring 684 runs at an average of 52.61 and strike-rate of 173. 60, including five fifties and one century. It earned Pant a place in the Test and ODI teams and later a spot at India’s 2019 World Cup squad. But post it, Pant has failed more times than he’s succeeded, a string of low scores resulting in his ouster from India’s limited-overs set-up.

Also Read | Delhi Capitals Predicted XI against Rajasthan Royals – Shreyas Iyer set to retain winning combination

Lara however, feels Pant has improved by leaps and bounds. The wicket-keeper batsman, who recently turned 22 recently, has gotten starts in all five matches played for the Capitals this season with scores of 31, 37*, 28, 38, 37, and Lara reckons it’s due to the major changes he’s brought in his batting.

“Look at the changes he made. Now, he has the ability to score runs in all parts of the ground. His scoring charts are looking impressive, and yes, more worry for the bowlers,” Lara said.

“He is now very well balanced and he is looking to score in key areas that he is not accustomed to scoring – over extra cover, over point, in front of point and his balance and his weight is staying there, he is not falling over to the off-side to create shots on the leg side. That is a vast improvement that he has made, which obviously going to help his all-round batting. I believe, this young lad has a long-long way to go.”

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RCB vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On