After surviving a life-threatening accident on December 30, 2022, Pant will finally be back where he belongs and is at his best at the international level: playing Test cricket for India. Since his England debut in 2018, the lively and free-spirited Pant went on to thrill the world with his audacious knocks and sheer bravery, while bailing the team out of difficult situations on several occasions.
Behind the stumps, he seized opportunities with his imposing spirit, inspired the players with his comical manner and occasionally performed backflips. Now, 637 days later, wiser thanks to the life-changing experiences and perspectives on his recovery journey, Pant's magic is ready to return to Test cricket against Bangladesh, the same rival he last played in this format in Mirpur in December 2022.
Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel feels that Pant's return to Test cricket is a significant development for him and the team. "He has set a great example and has certainly become an inspiration. I mean, the kind of accident he had and the way he recovered is absolutely remarkable. From a personal point of view, you have to give him credit. He has He worked very hard, since I was in contact with him during his time in rehabilitation.
"So, I take my hat off to him. As far as the Indian team is concerned, he has won matches in the Test format. We have seen how well he has played in various countries, so to speak, all in the SENA countries. He has hundreds, even when playing in Indian conditions, and scored brilliantly in crucial Test matches,” JioCinema & Sports18 expert Patel told IANS in a select virtual interaction.
While many would be wary of expecting Pant to immediately reach the same heights he previously achieved in Test cricket, Patel believes he is working hard to once again thrive in this format for India, especially with the gloves.
"For me, the biggest improvement I've seen is in his wicketkeeping. If we can go back to that England series in 2021, where there were rank changes, but that's where he stood brilliantly. Also, he's a left-handed offensive batsman. delivered that he can win the game in one session, these are all pluses for Rishabh Pant and the Indian team, but I think his wicketkeeping has been fantastic, and it's really good to see that he is putting up solid yards behind him." , said.
With Pant back in the Test squad, India will be cautious in managing his workload, especially with a five-match tour of Australia coming up later this year. Patel, a member of Pant's 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory, believes the team's think tank has plans in this regard and predicted that wicketkeeper-backup batsman Dhruv Jurel would get a game before flying to Australia.
"I'm sure they must be thinking about it. There is no doubt that it will be a long season at home. After two Tests against Bangladesh, India will play three Tests against New Zealand, before playing the crucial five Tests against Australia.
"It's a big task for everyone to play five Test matches. But you have to see that Rishabh is also coming back. He had a good Duleep Trophy game. Now, it depends on the workload how long he is." spending on the field as a wicketkeeper and batsman both.
"So, they will take him by the ear and see how he feels, because the players' feedback is also very important. So, you might see Dhruv Jurel playing one of the five Test matches at home. But it all depends of what and how." Rishabh Pant spends time on the field," he concluded.
The first India-Bangladesh Test on September 19 will be telecast live on JioCinema, Sports18 - 1 (HD & SD) and Colors Cineplex (HD & SD) channels.
Behind the stumps, he seized opportunities with his imposing spirit, inspired the players with his comical manner and occasionally performed backflips. Now, 637 days later, wiser thanks to the life-changing experiences and perspectives on his recovery journey, Pant's magic is ready to return to Test cricket against Bangladesh, the same rival he last played in this format in Mirpur in December 2022.
Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel feels that Pant's return to Test cricket is a significant development for him and the team. "He has set a great example and has certainly become an inspiration. I mean, the kind of accident he had and the way he recovered is absolutely remarkable. From a personal point of view, you have to give him credit. He has He worked very hard, since I was in contact with him during his time in rehabilitation.
"So, I take my hat off to him. As far as the Indian team is concerned, he has won matches in the Test format. We have seen how well he has played in various countries, so to speak, all in the SENA countries. He has hundreds, even when playing in Indian conditions, and scored brilliantly in crucial Test matches,” JioCinema & Sports18 expert Patel told IANS in a select virtual interaction.
While many would be wary of expecting Pant to immediately reach the same heights he previously achieved in Test cricket, Patel believes he is working hard to once again thrive in this format for India, especially with the gloves.
"For me, the biggest improvement I've seen is in his wicketkeeping. If we can go back to that England series in 2021, where there were rank changes, but that's where he stood brilliantly. Also, he's a left-handed offensive batsman. delivered that he can win the game in one session, these are all pluses for Rishabh Pant and the Indian team, but I think his wicketkeeping has been fantastic, and it's really good to see that he is putting up solid yards behind him." , said.
With Pant back in the Test squad, India will be cautious in managing his workload, especially with a five-match tour of Australia coming up later this year. Patel, a member of Pant's 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory, believes the team's think tank has plans in this regard and predicted that wicketkeeper-backup batsman Dhruv Jurel would get a game before flying to Australia.
"I'm sure they must be thinking about it. There is no doubt that it will be a long season at home. After two Tests against Bangladesh, India will play three Tests against New Zealand, before playing the crucial five Tests against Australia.
"It's a big task for everyone to play five Test matches. But you have to see that Rishabh is also coming back. He had a good Duleep Trophy game. Now, it depends on the workload how long he is." spending on the field as a wicketkeeper and batsman both.
"So, they will take him by the ear and see how he feels, because the players' feedback is also very important. So, you might see Dhruv Jurel playing one of the five Test matches at home. But it all depends of what and how." Rishabh Pant spends time on the field," he concluded.
The first India-Bangladesh Test on September 19 will be telecast live on JioCinema, Sports18 - 1 (HD & SD) and Colors Cineplex (HD & SD) channels.