Ganguly backs Rishabh Pant to become all-time great in Tests
Former Indian cricket team captain, Sourav Ganguly, has expressed his confidence in Rishabh Pant's potential to become an "all-time great" in Test cricket. However, he also emphasized that Pant needs to improve his performance in shorter formats. This statement was made at a promotional event where Ganguly discussed the impending 1st Test against Bangladesh, starting September 19. Pant recently made a comeback in red-ball cricket at the Duleep Trophy.
Pant's return to Test cricket after life-threatening accident
Pant is set to make his comeback to the Test side after recovering from a fatal car accident in December 2022. Since his recovery earlier this year, he has participated in T20s and ODIs with commendable performance. "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 stated.
Ganguly's confidence in Pant's future performance
Ganguly expressed high expectations for Pant's future performance in Test cricket, stating, "He will be an all-time great in Tests if he keeps performing like this." However, he also noted that Pant needs to enhance his skills in shorter formats. Despite this, Ganguly remains confident about Pant's potential, asserting that with time and talent, he could become one of the best.
Pant's performance since his return
Pant had a solid IPL 2024 season for the Delhi Capitals by scoring 446 runs at 40.55. He played a crucial role in India's ICC T20 World Cup trophy win, scoring 171 runs in 8 matches at 24.42. Pant scored 49 and 2 in two T20Is versus Sri Lanka next before managing a 6-run knock in a solitary ODI outing. In the just concluded Duleep Trophy match, Pant scored 7 and 61 for Abhimanyu Easwaran-led India B.
India's match-winner in Test cricket
Pant has been India's match-winner in the longest format. With his clutch knocks, the left-handed batter has powered India to several momentous wins, including the one at the Gabba in 2021. As of now, Pant has scored 2,271 runs from 33 Tests at a remarkable average of 43.67. His tally includes five tons and 11 half-centuries. However, he needs to step up in white-ball cricket as well, especially the T20Is.
