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Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed his belief that Rishabh Pant is on track to become one of the all-time greats in Test cricket. Ganguly also noted that Pant needs to enhance his performances in the shorter formats. Pant, who is making his return to Test cricket after a severe car accident in December 2022, is set to feature in the first Test against Bangladesh, starting in Chennai on September 19. Since his return earlier this year, Pant has had notable performances in T20s and ODIs.
Ganguly, speaking at a promotional event, praised Pant Test career, stating and he consider to Rishabh Pant one of India best Test batsmen. I’m not surprised he back in the squad and I believe he will continue to be a key player for India in Test matches. He added to If Pant maintains his current form and he will undoubtedly become an all-time great in Test cricket. he needs to improve his performance in the shorter formats. Given his talent, I’m confident he will excel over time.
The Indian selectors have decided to allow Mohammed Shami more time to recover from his ankle surgery, which has led to the inclusion of uncapped left-arm pacer Yash Dayal and Akash Deep in the squad. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are expected to lead the pace attack.
Ganguly commented on the bowling lineup, noting. I know Mohammed Shami is missing due to injury, but he’ll be back soon, specially with India’s tour of Australia on the horizon. Despite his absence, the squad has a very strong attack. He further elaborated on the conditions in India, saying. In Indian conditions, spinners play a crucial role. In Chennai, you can expect more bounce and with Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar and Kuldeep, India boasts the four best spinners in the world right now. It will be challenging for any team to face them.
Looking ahead, Ganguly emphasized the significance of India upcoming tours. I’m particularly looking forward to the tour of Australia. For me, this will be the real test for the squad. The tour of England next July is also crucial. These two tours will be pivotal in assessing the team strength.
Ganguly also highlighted the potential of young Bengal pacer Akash Deep, describing him as a promising fast bowler. Akash Deep is an outstanding young talent. He bowls quickly and can maintain his pace over long spells. I’ve watched him play for Bengal and take wickets consistently. He has the potential to bowl at speeds comparable to Siraj and Shami, reaching the high 140s. He is definitely one to watch,” Ganguly said.
Overall, Ganguly comments reflect a mix of optimism for Pant future and a focus on the team upcoming challenges, underscoring the importance of both individual performances and team dynamics in the competitive landscape of international cricket.
Tough challenge versus Bangladesh
After their triumph over Pakistan, Bangladesh now faces a two-Test series against India. Sourav Ganguly remarked that India will present a significantly tougher challenge. Beating Pakistan is never easy, so congratulations to Bangladesh. The India will be a different proposition entirely. India the whether at home or away, is a formidable team with a strong batting lineup. I expect India to win the series, but Bangladesh, buoyed by their recent success, will provide tough competition. They’re coming into this series with plenty of confidence,” Ganguly said.
Genuine dearth of talent in Pakistan
Following Pakistan Test series defeat to Bangladesh, Sourav Ganguly has expressed concerns about a genuine dearth of talent in the current Pakistani cricket setup. Reflecting on Pakistan past greatness with legends like Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saeed Anwar, Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan, Ganguly noted that those memories do not translate into current success.
The Pakistan of the past had exceptional cricketers, but that talent doesn’t automatically translate into victories today. Modern cricket requires each generation to produce outstanding players. Observing Pakistan recent performances in the West Indies, India and against Bangladesh, I see a significant gap in talent. This is not a statement of disrespect but a call for the sport’s stakeholders in Pakistan to address this issue,” Ganguly said.
Sourav Ganguly expresses concern over Pakistan cricket team decline
Former Indian cricket team captain, Sourav Ganguly, has voiced his concerns about the current state of Pakistan cricket. This comes in the wake of Pakistan recent Test series defeat to Bangladesh and their early exits from both the ODI World Cup 2023 andT20 World Cup2024.Ganguly emphasized that there seems to be a significant lack of talent in the Pakistani squad compared to previous generations.
Bangladesh Beat India in 2-Match Test Series? Sourav Ganguly Gives Verdict
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly believes that young wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has the potential to become one of the greats in Test cricket. Pant is making his return to the red-ball format after 624 days, set to play in the first Test against Bangladesh.
In just 33 Tests, Pant has amassed 2,271 runs at an average of 43.67 and a strike rate of over 70. His record includes 11 half-centuries, five centuries and a highest score of 159 not out. Despite these impressive figures, his performances in white-ball formats have not been as stellar. The Indian selectors have opted to give premier pacer Mohammad Shami additional time to recover from ankle surgery, while also naming uncapped left-arm pacer Yash Dayal in the squad. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj will also feature in the Chennai Test.
Looking ahead, Ganguly is eagerly anticipating India’s tours of Australia and England. He highlighted the importance of these series, stating. I’m excited about the tour to Australia; it will be a real test for the squad. The England tour next July is also crucial. With Bumrah, Siraj and the return of Shami, our pace attack will be formidable. Ganguly also praised Bengal bowler Akash Deep, noting that he bowls at speeds comparable to Shami and Siraj, consistently reaching the high 140s. Akash Deep is a promising talent, capable of maintaining high speeds over long spells,” Ganguly added.
Rishabh Pant Return to Red-Ball cricket
Rishabh Pant return to Test cricket, scheduled for India upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh starting on 19 September, marks a significant milestone in his career. This will be his first appearance in a Test since a serious car accident in December 2022 sidelined him. Since recovering, Pant has made an impressive comeback in limited-overs cricket and now all eyes are on his red-ball return.
Pant ability to perform in the Test format is well-established. His memorable heroics during India 2020-21 tour of Australia, particularly his match-winning knock at the Gabba, solidified his reputation as a game-changer in high-pressure situations. His inclusion in the squad signals not just his recovery but also the team faith in his abilities to deliver on the big stage once again.
What makes Rishabh Pant special in Tests?
Rishabh Pant’s fearlessness at the crease, combined with his agility behind the stumps, makes him a rare talent. In Test matches, he is known for his aggressive batting, which can turn the tide of a game within a single session. His ability to score quickly and take on top-quality bowlers has drawn comparisons to some of the best Test players in the world.
Challenges ahead for Pant
While Rishabh Pant has excelled in Test cricket, he still has room to grow in the shorter formats. Ganguly highlighted that while Pant’s performances in T20s and ODIs have been solid, he has not yet reached the heights expected of a player of his caliber. As India looks ahead to important series, including tours to Australia and England, Pant’s form will be critical.
Rishabh Pant is future of Indian Test Cricket
As India prepares for a packed Test season, including their matches against Bangladesh and later tours of Australia and England, Pant will be a key player to watch. His ability to keep opposition bowlers on their toes, combined with his experience in the Test format, makes him invaluable to the squad.
Pant’s return is timely, and with the backing of legends like Ganguly, the expectations surrounding him are sky-high. If he continues to perform at the level he is capable of, there is little doubt that Pant will carve out his place as one of India’s finest in Test cricket. Now, the question remains: can he live up to the hype.
