T20 World Cup 2022: India’s Rishabh Pant says he gets ‘goosebumps’ playing against Pakistan

• Pant describes playing against Pakistan as “a different kind of feeling” than any other team.
• Pant is competing with veteran Dinesh Karthik for the wicketkeeper position.
• 100,000 spectators have purchased tickets for Sunday’s World Cup opener in Melbourne.

Rishabh Pant, the wicketkeeper-batsman for India, described playing archrivals Pakistan as “a different kind of feeling” than any other team.

On Sunday, both teams will launch their Twenty20 World Cup campaigns against one another at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Approximately 100,000 spectators have purchased tickets for what is expected to be a carnival atmosphere, although forecasted rain could damper the festivities.

“It’s always special playing against Pakistan because there is a special hype around that match,” Pant told the official World Cup website Friday.

“There are so much emotions involved, not only for us, but the fans and everyone.

“It’s a different kind of feeling, a different kind of ambiance when you go on to the field and when you take on the field, you see people cheering here and there.

“It’s a different atmosphere and when we were singing our national anthem, I actually get goosebumps.”

Pant is reportedly competing with veteran Dinesh Karthik for the wicketkeeper position, although he might still play as a specialist batsman if selectors choose to strengthen their middle order.

Sunil Gavaskar, an Indian cricket legend, stated on Star Sports that both players could be accommodated.

“It’s just that maybe, if they decide to go with six bowlers, with Hardik Pandya being the sixth bowler, then he (Pant) may not be able to find a place,” he said.

“But if they decide to go with Hardik Pandya as a fifth bowler, then Rishabh Pant has an opportunity to bat at number six and Karthik maybe at number seven, followed by the four bowlers.”

Pant stated that if selected, he will seek counsel from Virat Kohli.

“It’s good to have someone with a lot of experience batting with you because he can take you through how to take the game on and how to maintain that run-a-ball pressure kind of thing,” he said.

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