Australia captain Pat Cummins hails Rishabh Pant as the X-factor in India’s middle-order for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Pant’s recent performances, including a hundred against Bangladesh, have impressed the cricketing world.
In Short
- Pant made his return to Test cricket during Bangladesh series
- Pant has an impressive record in Australia, as he has scored 624 runs at an average of 62.4
- Cummins said Pant is quite chirpy behind the stumps
Australia captain Pat Cummins has called India’s Rishabh Pant the X-factor in India’s middle-order ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy next month. Pant has made a scintillating return to the longest format of the game after being out since December 2022. The 27-year-old made his comeback in the Bangladesh series.
Since his return, the wicketkeeper-batter scored a hundred against Bangladesh and was unlucky to miss out on another one in the first Test against New Zealand. Pant scored an entertaining 99 against the Blackcaps in Bengaluru. Despite his best efforts, New Zealand won the match by 8 wickets.
Speaking exclusively at Star Sports’ Press Room Border-Gavaskar Trophy Special, Cummins said that you never quite know what you would get from Pant at the end of day and called it an exciting prospect. The Aussie captain said that Pant is quite chatty behind the stumps and is very funny.
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“Rishabh had a great series here in Australia last time. He’s always a bit of that X-factor in the middle order. You never quite know what you’re going to get, which is exciting, even as the opposition. And he’s always got something to say behind the stumps—he’s very funny, makes me laugh,” said Cummins.
Australia will be without the services of Cameron Green as the all-rounder is set to undergo surgery for a stress fracture. Cummins said that Green is a big loss for them given his skills in all 3 departments of the game.
As for Cam Green, he’s a big loss for us. Not only for his batting, but he’s probably the best gully fielder I’ve ever seen, and a great bowler we need as well, so we’re really going to miss him,” said Cummins.
Rishabh Pant’s record in Australia
Pant has a sensational record in Australia with the bat. In the 7 matches he has played down under, Pant has scored 624 runs against the Aussies at an average of 62.4. The 27-year-old has scored a hundred and 2 fifties during this time, including a famous 89 he scored in Brisbane to help India win the series last time in 2020-21.
