"He will be an all-time great in Tests if he keeps performing like this" - Sourav Ganguly makes big statement on Indian batter
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has opined that keeper-batter Rishabh Pant has the potential to be an all-time great in Tests. Ganguly, however, admitted that the talented left-handed batter needs to work on his game in the shorter formats.
Pant has made a comeback to the Test side for the first time since his car accident in December 2022. He has been named in the Indian squad for the first Test against Bangladesh to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from September 19. The 26-year-old made his international comeback during the 2024 T20 World Cup and also featured in the white-ball series in Sri Lanka.
The stumper possesses an excellent record in red-ball cricket for India and Ganguly believes that he can go on to become one of the best in the format. Speaking at an event in Kolkata, he said (as quoted by PTI):
"He will be an all-time great in Tests if he keeps performing like this. For me, he needs to get better in the shorter formats. With the talent he has, I'm sure with time, he will become one of the best.
"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," the former India captain added.
In 33 Tests, Pant has 2271 runs to his name at an average of 43.67, with five hundreds and 11 half-centuries. The left-hander has, however, struggled in the limited-overs formats. In 31 ODIs, he has scored 871 runs at an average of 33.50. He has also featured in 76 T20Is and has managed 1209 runs at an average of 23.25 and a strike rate of 127.26.
"Looking forward to their tour to Australia" - Ganguly on India's upcoming Test challenges
While India will face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series at home soon, Ganguly eagerly awaits the five-match Test series to be played in Australia. According to the former India captain, that series will be a real test for the visitors. The 52-year-old commented:
"I am looking forward to their tour to Australia; that, for me, will be the real test for the squad. Then, when they tour England in July, these are the two most important tours, to be honest. I think the pace bowling department, with Bumrah and Siraj, and once Shami comes back, will be strong."
India will play five Tests in Australia from November 22 to January 7. They will also feature in as many Tests in England from June to August next year.