Related Articles
Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has showered praise on Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, claiming that Pant possesses one of the best defenses in world cricket and has the potential to score a century in every match if he strikes the right balance between aggression and patience.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin highlighted Pant’s unique batting style and defended the young star despite his underwhelming performance in the recent 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he managed just 255 runs at an average of 28.33. Ashwin emphasized that Pant’s defensive technique is often overlooked because of his natural aggression.
Table of content
Ashwin on Pant’s Defensive Prowess
“Rishabh Pant rarely gets out while defending. He’s got one of the best defenses in world cricket, played with soft hands,” Ashwin stated.
Ashwin further elaborated on Pant’s consistency in the nets, saying:
“I’ve bowled to him a lot in the nets. He doesn’t get out, doesn’t edge the ball, and isn’t trapped LBW. He’s an exceptional player with great technique, but people tend to focus only on his aggressive strokes.”
The Key to Unlocking Pant’s Full Potential
Ashwin believes that Pant’s challenge lies in finding the middle ground between his high-risk aggressive shots and his solid defense. He stated:
“With his defense, if he faces 200 balls, he will surely score runs every game. The key is finding the middle ground between intent and stability. If he combines these elements, Pant can score a century every match.”
Ashwin stressed that Pant needs clear guidance from the team management to understand when to bat solidly and when to accelerate.
Also Read: KL Rahul Declines England Series to Prioritize Rest
Pant’s Recent Form: A Mixed Bag
Ashwin compared Pant’s recent outings to his heroics during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, particularly his contrasting knocks of 36 and 97 at Sydney, which helped India stay alive in the series. Ashwin pointed out:
“Everyone remembers the swashbuckling second-innings fifty, but his fighting 36 in the first innings deserves equal recognition. Both innings showcased his adaptability and resilience.”
The Challenges of Modern Test Cricket
Ashwin also contextualized Pant’s performances within the broader challenges of batting in modern Test cricket.
“Since 2018, batting has become significantly harder, even for players like Kane Williamson and Steve Smith. Pant has played during a difficult era, and his ability to deliver impactful knocks shows his immense talent.”
The Road Ahead for Pant
As Pant vies for a spot in India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, Ashwin believes the wicketkeeper-batter still has time to realize his full potential.
“He hasn’t scored as many runs as he’s capable of, but his rhythm and intent have been excellent. With proper guidance and the right approach, Rishabh Pant can become a consistent match-winner for India.”
The coming months will be crucial for Pant as he looks to cement his place in the team and showcase why he’s regarded as one of India’s brightest talents.
