India’s wicket-keeper batter, Rishabh Pant has said that playing against Pakistan gives him goosebumps. Notably, India and Pakistan are set to take on take on each other in a blockbuster encounter on Sunday in the 20-20 World Cup 2022.
"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,” He added.
Both sides last met each other in a group stage encounter in the 2021 edition of the 20-20 World Cup. Rishabh Pant was part of India’s playing XI in that game but failed to impress with the bat.
"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." The Indian cricketer added.
Rishabh Pant is in India’s 15-man squad for the upcoming 20-20 World Cup 2022. However, he might not be part of India’s playing XI for Sunday’s encounter against Pakistan. The team management is likely to give the nod to Dinesh Karthik, keeping in mind his outstanding form with the bat.
Meanwhile, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar stated that India can play both Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant in the playing XI against Pakistan on Sunday.
"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."