Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicket-keeper batter, is poised to make a triumphant return to international red-ball cricket after being named in the Indian squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, commencing on September 19. This marks Pant’s comeback after an extended absence of approximately 20 months, following severe injuries sustained in a car accident in 2022.
Pant’s return has been met with widespread anticipation, as he is widely regarded as a key member of the Indian cricket team. He played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign and recently made his ODI comeback against Sri Lanka.
WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff has expressed his admiration for Pant’s resilience and dedication, commenting on his comeback with the words, “Discipline and commitment. Deadly combination.”
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has also hailed Pant’s potential, stating that he is on track to become an all-time great in Test cricket. However, Ganguly emphasized the need for Pant to improve his performance in shorter formats.
The Indian selectors have opted to give Mohammed Shami additional time to recover from ankle surgery, while including uncapped left-arm pacers Yash Dayal and Akash Deep in the squad. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will serve as the frontline pacers.
Ganguly expressed confidence in the Indian bowling attack, despite Shami’s absence, stating that it remains a formidable unit. He also highlighted the importance of spin in Indian conditions, with Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav forming a formidable quartet.
Pant’s return to the Indian Test team is a testament to his unwavering determination and the high regard in which he is held by the cricketing fraternity. As he embarks on this new chapter, he will be eager to prove his worth and contribute to India’s success on the international stage.
