Sourav Ganguly criticised Rishabh Pant ahead of the India-England series |courtesy - IANS/AP
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Sourav Ganguly was not pleased with Rishabh Pant
- Pant has a good record in Test cricket in England
- India will play five Test matches against England
Ahead of India's tour of England, Sourav Ganguly voiced his dissatisfaction with Rishabh Pant, having labelled him as India's best Test batter a few months ago. Ganguly claimed he was not happy with the Indian wicket-keeper batter's display in Australia during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).
The ex-Indian captain stated that Pant was playing too many shots and he needs to be prepared to look a bit ugly while batting and be measured in his approach. Ganguly further stated that Pant has a good defensive game but he needs to use it.
"He’s a very good player, but he has to continue playing the way he played a few years ago. I saw hi m in Australia, and I didn’t like what I saw. Too many shots. He kept swinging. The ball decked around at certain venues. He has got the ability, there is no doubt about that, but it’s about the application. I want to see some more fight from him. Yes, that’s what I’m saying. He’s got a very good defence. So, he has to defend," said Ganguly to RevSportz.
Pant made 255 runs in nine innings during the Australia tour at an average of 28.33 with just one half-century. His shot selection had come into question, especially during both innings of India's defeat in Melbourne.
Pant made a successful comeback after not playing a Test match for 21 months last year with a century against Bangladesh. He was also the highest run-getter in India's home series against New Zealand despite the Rohit Sharma-led side losing 3-1. Pant made 261 runs in six innings with three half-centuries at an average of 43.50.
Overall, the 27-year-old has played 43 Test matches and scored 2948 runs at an average of 42.1 with six centuries to his name and 15 half-centuries.
Pant has an impressive record in England with two centuries, which is the most by a visiting wicket-keeper batter. He has played eight matches in the country and scored 511 runs at an average of 34.06.
The tour of England will also mark the start of Pant's tenure in the India team's leadership role after being named the new vice-captain, while Shubman Gill was appointed captain.
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