Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan has shared his thoughts on Rishabh Pant's impressive performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024 co-hosted by the USA and West Indies. 

In a recent interview at a local sports platform, Pathan highlighted both Pant's wicketkeeping and batting contributions, emphasizing their impact on India's campaign.

"First of all, let's talk about his keeping. No one in World Cup history has gotten 14 dismissals. The maximum as a wicketkeeper was ten dismissals in a World Cup. So for him to have that kind of a World Cup as a wicketkeeper itself has been very special because some of the catches have been outstanding," Irfan said.

The former all-rounder recalled a significant moment in the tournament when Pant's sharp reflexes changed the course of a game. 

"Against Pakistan also, that inside-edge catch off Arshdeep's bowling was very important because if that catch had not been taken, first ball, imagine inside edge for four, the pressure would have been on Arshdeep Singh and we might have lost that game. So his keeping was very crucial," he said.

Moving on to Pant's batting, Pathan praised his fearless approach, which has been a refreshing change for the Indian team. 

"Now, let's talk about his batting. We were missing the fearlessness after losing the first wicket. We had been conservative and that is why we were staying behind in World Cups. He injected that fearlessness. Yes, we will criticize him for playing rash shots, which are not required at times, but that's his game," he said.

Pathan called for continued support for Pant, recognizing his unique contributions to the team. 

"If we have backed some of the cricketers in the past, we need to back him as well. Rishabh Pant got fearlessness to the top order, apart from Rohit Sharma. He has got that kind of X-factor to the Indian team which we all want. He plays new-age cricket," he concluded.