India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is set to mark his 50th Test appearance as India takes on Afghanistan in a one-off match in New Chandigarh. Pant’s childhood coach, Devender Sharma, emphasized the significance of this milestone, highlighting Pant’s prowess in red-ball cricket despite recent IPL struggles.
Pant joins the elite league of MS Dhoni and Syed Kirmani as the only wicketkeeper-batters to surpass 50 Tests for India. Despite a challenging IPL season with Lucknow Super Giants, Pant’s coach remains confident in his red-ball capabilities, citing his past performances as a testament to his talent.
Sharma praised Pant’s mental strength and match-winning abilities in Test cricket, recalling his remarkable innings in England despite an injury. With 3476 runs at an average of 42.91 in 49 Tests, Pant’s coach believes he is poised to excel in the upcoming red-ball fixtures, starting with the game against Afghanistan.
Sharma advised Pant to focus on playing vertical strokes and minimizing off-side shots to enhance his performance in red-ball cricket. While Pant faced a lean period in the IPL, his coach remains optimistic about his return to form, emphasizing the impact of one good innings in boosting his confidence.
Sharma commended Pant’s overseas dominance in Tests, noting his exceptional record outside India with six centuries. He expressed confidence in Pant’s ability to continue as a match-winner for India in Test cricket, lauding his consistency and performance in challenging conditions.
Sharma reiterated his belief in Pant’s potential across all formats for India, emphasizing the need for consistent opportunities to showcase his talent. Reflecting on Pant’s resilience post a severe accident, Sharma praised his mental fortitude and determination to succeed at the international level.
