'Rishabh Pant ideal wicket-keeper for Australia Test series': Ian Chappell
Former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell has lauded Indian wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, describing him as the "ideal keeper" for Australian conditions. This endorsement comes ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between hosts Australia and India later this year. In his latest column for ESPNcricinfo, Chappell emphasized that Pant's agility and ability to cover a ground on both sides of the wicket are key assets for any team playing in Australia.
Here's what Chappell wrote
"If Pant can perform at his best, he's the ideal keeper for Australian conditions. If he's able to continue with his agile performance standing back, that is what is required in Australia," wrote Chappell in his column. He added, "You need a keeper who capably covers a lot of territory to both sides of the wicket."
Chappell highlights Pant's improved wicket-keeping skills
Chappell also highlighted Pant's significant improvement in wicket-keeping, particularly when standing up to the stumps. He attributed this progress to his former coach Ravi Shastri and Pant's own hard work. The former Australian cricketer noted that Pant had evolved from being a questionable keeper against spinners, into a highly competent one when standing close to the stumps.
Pant's remarkable return to Test cricket
Pant recently made a triumphant return to Test cricket, scoring a century against Bangladesh. This was his first Test match since recovering from a severe car accident in December 2022. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter smashed 109 in the second innings as India beat Bangladesh by 280 runs in Chennai. Chappell praised Pant's resilience, stating that his return to Tests after such an incident is quite remarkable.
Pant equals Dhoni's record
Pant has now gone par with the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni in terms of Indians with the most Test tons as a designated wicketkeeper-batter. Notably, no other Indian keeper has even four Test centuries as Wriddhiman Saha follows suit with three centuries.
Significant contributions on previous Australia tours
Pant has been a key player for India on their previous Test tours to Australia. The left-hander's aggressive 97-run knock in Sydney helped India secure a thrilling draw, while his unbeaten 89 led to a historic victory at the Gabba. In the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pant's impressive 159* at Sydney signaled his potential as a formidable opponent.
