New Delhi: Rishabh Pant is a top player in Test cricket but has much scope for improvement in the shorter formats, believes former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who backed the wicketkeeper-batter to execel in all forms of the game.
The BCCI included Pant in India’s squad for the first Test against Bangladesh that starts on September 19 in Chennai. It was the left hander’s return to the red-ball squad since he suffered a life-threatening car accident in December 2022.
Pant made his comeback to action after the accident in the 2024 Indian Premier League and has since played in T20Is and ODIs for the national team. But his impact has been most pronounced in Test matches, playing match-winning knocks that helped India win in Australia for only the second time in 2021.
Ganguly welcomed his inclusion into the Test team, predicting a bright future for him in the traditional format but also advised Pant to work hard to improve in the white-ball formats.
“I consider Rishabh Pant one of India’s best Test batsmen. I’m not surprised that he’s back in the side, and he will continue to play for India in Tests,” Ganguly said in Kolkata on Monday.
“He will be an all-time great in Tests if he keeps performing like this. For me, he needs to get better in the shorter formats. With the talent he has, I’m sure with time, he will become one of the best.”
‘Good attack despite Shami’s absence’
Mohammed Shami wasn’t included in the squad as he is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained during 2023 ODI World Cup. In his place the BCCI selectors have called up uncapped left-arm pacer Yash Dayal and Akash Deep with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj being the two pacers who would lead the attack.
Ganguly expects India to be too strong for Bangladesh in Chennai and said the Rohit Sharma-led team’s real test will be in Australua where they will compete in a five match series from November.
“I know Mohammed Shami is missing because of injury, but he will be back very soon since India is going to Australia. It’s still a very good attack,” Ganguly said.
“In India, you will see a lot more spin. In Chennai, you will see a lot more bounce. Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar, and Kuldeep are the four best spinners in the world at the moment — it won’t be easy. When you play in India, spinners have a lot more say in the game. But India are a very good team.”
“I am looking forward to their tour to Australia; that, for me, will be the real test for the squad. Then, when they tour England in July, these are the two most important tours, to be honest. I think the pace bowling department, with Bumrah and Siraj, and once Shami comes back, will be strong.”
Former BCCI president Ganguly also praised pacer Akash Deep, reckoning that the young pacer has ability to bowl quick for long periods and has ability to take wickets.
The BCCI included Pant in India’s squad for the first Test against Bangladesh that starts on September 19 in Chennai. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
