In the Boxing Day Test at the storied Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Indian supporters are eager to see the flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter return to form, even though Rishabh Pant hasn’t yet taken the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 by storm. At an average of 19.20, the 27-year-old has amassed 96 runs from five innings in the first three Test matches.
A hitter who prefers to target the bowlers right away, Pant has made a name for himself. Nevertheless, this tactic has occasionally resulted in his demise. Before he played the spectacular shots, the great Sunil Gavaskar said that Pant should pay some attention to the circumstances, particularly in the first 30 minutes of his innings.
“What Rishabh Pant has to do, like everybody else, respect the first half an hour; respect a little bit when he gets in there, whatever the position, unless, of course, India is 525 for 3; then he can tee off,” Gavaskar said to Star Sports.
Pant was cautioned by Gavaskar about the dangers of angled balls over his body when discussing the difficulties the Australian bowlers would present.
“They obtain an angle on the ball. He has some trouble from Pat Cummins and even Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland will cause him some trouble because he bowls in that area also,” Gavaskar said.
There should be no fear for Rishabh Pant under these circumstances: Matthew Hayden
In an interview, former Australian opener Matthew Hayden expressed his respect for Pant and suggested that the batter could be more daring in his counterpunch attempts against the home team.
He’s always been a favourite of mine. It’s obvious that he’s a distinct kind of cheese. “And I would like to see him just explore that as well because he should be coming in a situation where there are a lot of runs, as I previously mentioned; and if so, that’s a perfect scenario for him to be (in),” replied Hayden.
On the other hand, it’s ideal for Team India. Although I believe Rishabh hasn’t shown any counterpunching attempts, he shouldn’t be afraid in these circumstances, much like Rohit Sharma. He continued, “I believe that Rishabh and Team India have a fantastic opportunity when there is no longer any fear.”
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