Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Wasim Jaffer has opined that Rishabh Pant would feature in his all-time India Test XI ahead of MS Dhoni. His comments came after the opening Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka, which was played in Galle and concluded on August 19, with India securing a 165-run victory.
The southpaw had a decent outing, scoring 39 off 62 balls and 66 off 69 across the two innings. He also etched his name in the record books by becoming the first Indian and only the fourth batter overall to smash 100 sixes in Test cricket, while also reaching the landmark in the fewest innings.
Speaking during a discussion on his YouTube channel (Wasim Jaffer Official), the 48-year-old stated that Pant picks himself in the XI. He highlighted his match-winning ability and noted that his keeping is also getting better, adding that Pant has an edge over MS Dhoni. He said:
“If I had to pick India’s best-ever team, Rishabh Pant has to be there because of the kind of batting he has done and the innings he has played. I think he is one of the best, and he selects himself. I feel he is an automatic selection in the Test team. Absolutely, I would pick Rishabh Pant because of his batting ability. His keeping is also getting better, but the batting ability and match-winning ability he possesses, and the kind of innings he has played in such a short career, I think Rishabh Pant has an edge over MS Dhoni.”
In 51 Tests, Pant has amassed 3,662 runs at an average of 43.59, including 20 fifties and eight centuries. Meanwhile, Dhoni finished his Test career with 4,876 runs in 90 matches at an average of 38.09, with 33 fifties and six centuries.
“He has understood the rhythm of Test cricket” – Wasim Jaffer’s huge statement on Rishabh Pant
In the same discussion, Wasim Jaffer stated that Rishabh Pant has understood how to play Test cricket. He explained that the field is generally kept up when a new batter comes to the crease, which works in Pant’s favour as he gets going after playing one or two shots. Jaffer also highlighted Pant’s solid technique, pointing out that the 28-year-old has scored runs in different conditions. He said:
“I think one thing is that he plays in such a way that he has understood the rhythm of Test cricket and how to play it. Generally, when any batter comes in during a Test match, you initially keep the field up. And I think that is something that helps Rishabh Pant because in Test cricket, you don’t directly put the field back for any batter. Eventually, you try to keep a few fielders up so that the batter tries to hit over the top and gets out.
“I think that helps Rishabh Pant. Once he plays one or two shots, he gets going. So, I feel that helps him in Test cricket. Plus, he obviously has the technique. It is not as if there is any major flaw in his technique because he has scored runs everywhere. It is surprising that he struggles a little in other formats, but in Test cricket, he is probably one of India’s best players, especially as a wicketkeeper-batter,” he added.
Pant will now return to action in the second Test against Sri Lanka, which is set to begin on Sunday, August 23, in Colombo.
Edited by Dev Sharma
