IND Vs BAN: Rishabh Pant Returns To Test Cricket After 634 Days

It has been 634 days since Rishabh Pant last played a Test match that was against Bangladesh in 2022. Today, on September 19, the southpaw returns to Test cricket at the MA Chidambaram Stadium against the same adversary on his home turf. Of course, much has changed in the cricketing world, with several robust challengers crowding the scene, but the management found it a testing decision. Dhruv Jurel looked extremely promising as a batsman and wicketkeeper in that series against England at the start of the year. Still, head coach Gautam Gambhir highlighted specific value of Pant in this mix while reiterating that the reason for including him in the game.

Gautam Gambhir Calls Rishabh Pant As Destructive Test Batter

"We all know how destructive he can be (as a batter) and what he can do in Test cricket. Obviously, it gives him the freedom to go out there and express himself. He has got runs everywhere around the world.

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"It is always good to have someone like him who can open the game for us and more importantly can bring a lot of impact as well," Gambhir said in the pre-match press meet.

Rishabh Pant's Excellent Wicket-Keeping

"Not only with his batting, he has been excellent behind the stumps as well. Probably his batting overshadows his keeping many times.

"But actually, see what he has done in Indian conditionsit is never easy to keep against people like Ashwin, Jadeja and Kuldeep. So, what he has done behind the stumps has been remarkable.

Rishabh Pant's Test Record

Rishabh Pant made his Test debut in 2018 against England and his maiden century came in 3rd Test match against England.

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So far, Pant has played 33 Tests and scored 2271 runs at an everage of 43.67 and strike rate of 73.36. He has hit 246 fours and 55 sixes.

Currently Rishabh Pant is playing India vs Bangladesh 1st Test.