Rishabh Pant’s return to Test cricket after almost 2 years has seen his profile rise considerably. The talented wicketkeeper-batter’s haul of 422 runs in 10 recent innings (46.88) now puts him in conversations over greatest middle order swingers. Pant was India’s highest Test runs-scorer before a serious accident in December 2022 kept him out of action for a long time.
However, the talented middle-order batter is back, and fans believe he could be the greatest wicketkeeper-batter Test cricket has ever seen.
How Does Rishabh Pant Rank Among Wicketkeeper-Batters?
Rishabh Pant is the third-highest runs-scorer among batsmen with positions between 5 and 7 in recent years. He is behind veterans like Travis Head (Australia) and Ben Stokes (England) in runs scored; however, he has a better strike rate and average so far.
Pant also has more centuries than skilled players in similar positions like Litton Das, Quinton de Kock, and Mohammad Rizwan.
Rishabh Pant in Test Cricket So Far
Pant has been in fine form for India since his first Test match back in 2018. He mixes explosive batting with a resilient approach to games, making him Team India’s top wicketkeeper-batter and match-winner. Pant quickly gained popularity as one of the Men in Blue’s hottest young talents based on his abilities for aggressive play.
The talented wicketkeeper-batter also has a valuable ability to take on top-class bowlers with his adept strokes. He currently has 38 matches and 66 innings for India in his Test career. Pant has managed 2,690+ runs at a decent average of 44.14 throughout these encounters. He also has 14 half-centuries and 6 centuries throughout these games.
Decent strike rate
Pant can play throughout long innings while delivering impressive scores for his team. The cricketer currently has 67 sixes and 296 boundaries across 66 innings. Such impressive stats show he is a top option for Team India to handle their Test batting needs.
He currently maintains a 75.39 strike rate in all appearances for the national team so far. Few Test batters can boast of such numbers, particularly those in the middle order.
High personal best
His current best in Tests stands at 159 and goes to show how much of a reliable player Pant can be under pressure. Pant’s ability to produce runs in Tests for his team has helped India dominate bowling attacks of several teams in recent times. Rishabh’s ability to clear boundaries easily against spinners while showcasing excellent stance and footwork also thrills the fans.
Match-winning performances vs tough opposition
The talented cricketer also displays impeccable reach alongside eagle-eye vision to deliver great outings whenever he is available. Pant’s decent strike rate fuelled by his exciting abilities have been pivotal over the years as India secured victories over Test powerhouses like England and Australia.
Rishabh Pant Could be Team India’s Next Test Captain
A set of horrible results under Test captain Rohit Sharma’s leadership has seen growing calls for him to step down. Sharma may likely not step down this year, but many reports suggest Pant as an ideal replacement for the Mumbaikar ace.
Aakash Chopra Suggests Perfect Pairing with Rishabh Pant for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25
Former Team India cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra believes Dhruv Jurel would be a perfect wicketkeeping option alongside Rishabh Pant. His comments come before Pant and co face Australia over a series of five official Test matches in the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024/25. Chopra spoke through his YouTube channel and had this to say:
“You might see two wicketkeepers playing in the XI. Rishabh Pant and Jurel are likely to go ahead as the team doesn’t mind in changing things. Jurel could be at No.6 in Perth on November 22. It doesn’t make a difference whether Rohit Sharma is there or not. Dhruv Jurel will play in any case.”
Chopra explained his suggestion of Jurel as a great option for India’s Test team after their horror show vs New Zealand in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. India suffered a bitter-tasting whitewash at the hands of a visiting Black Caps Test team. That horrible performance prompts commentators like Chopra to choose ideal players for a must-win Test series vs Australia.
Chopra put forward Jurel after seeing the player’s impressive performance vs Australia A in an unofficial Test before BGT 2024/25:
“Dhruv Jurel was the only performer with the bat in the first innings. He hit two sixes, played 186 balls and scored 80 runs. India A were in a danger of getting bowled out for 80-85 but he took the score to 161. Dhruv Jurel has a chance to pip Sarfaraz and KL Rahul and become India’s no.6 batter,” he added.
