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“His comeback story has been sensational” - Matthew Hayden’s daughter names favorite Indian cricketer during BGT 2024-25

Australia legend Matthew Hayden's daughter Grace named Rishabh Pant as her favorite Indian cricketer during an interview on Day 1 (Saturday, December 14) of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test in Brisbane. Pant gained popularity among Australian fans when he willed India to a memorable Test series win Down Under in 2020-21.

The 27-year-old has also served as an inspiration to many for his ability to come back in style after dealing with multiple injuries and spending over a year on the sidelines after a car accident in December 2022.

In an interview with TOI on Day 1 of the Brisbane Test, Grace said about Pant:

"I think his comeback story has been sensational. We saw him go as the most expensive player in IPL history just recently. And yeah, we all saw the vision of the accident, and for him to come back and still start and even make this incredible team is just credit to him. The hardwork, determination, mentally that would have been really tough to come back from."

She added:

"Obviously I am Australian, but I'm proud of him, and he obviously has great strength as a player, as a person. He's always been exceptionally lovely. He's definitely an inspiring player."

Pant recently helped India triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA. He also became the most expensive signing at ₹27 crore in IPL history during the 2025 auction last month.

"I love a dal curry and a roti" - Matthew Hayden's daughter Grace

Matthew Hayden's daughter also spoke about her love for India and Indian food like dal curry and roti.

Hayden played in India several times during his illustrious Australian career and in the IPL. The former left-hander scored 1,807 runs across formats in India at an average of 51.62 in 27 outings.

"I love India. I always heard a lot about India growing up from my dad, he still brings spices home. So I'd always be trying Indian food. I love a dal curry and a roti. Love your roti. Dad would always bring India home to us. So people would always say to me, you know, 'did you struggle at first with Indian food?' And I said, 'No, I love it," Grace said.

Meanwhile, the action on the field in the Brisbane Test hasn't taken off, with only 13.2 overs bowled on the opening day due to heavy rain. Australian openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney weathered the new ball storm to remain unscathed, taking Australia to 28/0 at Stumps on Day 1.

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