NEWS
Follow UsIndian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is the pick of the batters in former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson’s mind for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which will be played Down Under from November 22 onwards.
Watson, who was also one of Delhi Capitals' many assistant coaches in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where Pant is currently the skipper, said that the Indian batter can play risk-free attacking shots, which makes him the differentiator.
“We have seen Rishabh Pant come in and do it as well - take the game on, but also don't give the opposition many opportunities to get them out,” Watson was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
The 27-year-old has 624 runs to his name from 12 innings of seven Tests in Australia at a strike rate of 72.13 and an astonishing average of 62.4.
Watson feels that Pant will have great memories from the Indian team’s 2020-21 tour of Australia, during which he played an important role in securing the win at Gabba and thereby winning the series.
"He's got great memories from his last tour that he had from a batting perspective in Australia. That innings he played at the Gabba was something very special,” Watson said.
The Aussie also added the factor of Pant's coming back from a life-threatening injury, making him even more hungry to perform well in a big series.
“Knowing that he's come through his challenges in the last couple of years to be able to come back as an even better player than what he left off, I think he's going to have a big series.”
The five-match series will get underway with the first Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth from November 22 onwards.
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