“Rishabh Pant deserves to be Rohit Sharma’s successor, especially in Test cricket” – Mohammad Kaif ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif reckons that Rishabh Pant should be the next Test captain for India after Rohit Sharma. Kaif pointed out that Pant delivers with the bat regardless of the conditions, including SENA countries.
The cricketer-turned-commentator further shed light on Pant’s fighting mentality, citing his knocks against New Zealand in the third Test when India were under pressure. The 43-year-old added that Pant will retire as a legend in the red-ball format.
Kaif's reaction regarding captaincy comes a day after India were whitewashed 3-0 for the first time in a three-match Test series at home. The Men in Blue were last whitewashed 2-0 by South Africa 24 years ago.
Kaif said on Instagram live (via India Today):
"From the current team, only Rishabh Pant is the contention to be Test captain. He’s worthy of it, whenever he’s played, he’s put the Indian team in front. Whichever number he comes to play, he’s ready to play a match-winning knock.
"He’s scored in all types of conditions be it England, Australia or South Africa. Be it seaming to turning tracks, he’s a complete batter."
He added:
"When Pant will be playing his last Test match, he will retire as a legend. He’s shown that already, his keeping has improved drastically. Till he was at the crease, New Zealand didn’t breathe easy.
"Hence, I believe from the current lot, if you’re looking for a future captain, Rishabh Pant deserves to be Rohit Sharma’s successor, especially in Test cricket."
Like MS Dhoni, Pant consistently chats with the bowlers to keep them on track. He has the experience of leading Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.
Rishabh Pant comes back with a bang in Test cricket
Rishabh Pant has been exceptional with the bat in Test cricket following his comeback to the format after more than a year-long hiatus due to injury. The southpaw has amassed 422 runs in five Tests (10 innings) at an average of 46.89, including one ton and three half-centuries.
Pant will next be seen in action during the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, which starts in Perth on November 22. The 27-year-old has amassed 624 runs in seven Tests (12 innings) at an average of 62.40, comprising one ton and two fifties down under.
Notably, Jasprit Bumrah is Rohit's deputy for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.