Former India captain Sourav Ganguly came down hard on wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for his underwhelming performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia. Following his memorable contributions during the 2020-21 tour, expectations were high from Pant in the recent series.
However, the left-hander failed to deliver, managing just 255 runs across five Tests at an average of 28.33, with only one fifty to his name. More than the stats, it was his poor shot selection and lack of situational awareness that drew sharp criticism from both fans and cricket pundits.
With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma recently retiring from Tests, Rishabh Pant is now expected to take up a senior role in India’s batting lineup for the upcoming five-match Test series in England. While speaking about the star wicketkeeper in an interview with RevSportz, Ganguly remarked:
“I did not like what I saw of him in Australia. Too many shots. Just too many shots. He was just swinging at every ball, and that’s not how you bat in conditions where the ball was moving around a bit. He needs to show fight. He has a very good defence. That’s what I want to see.”
He further continued:
“I want him to fight and grind down. Be ugly. Look ugly. But don’t swing at every ball and give it away. I know he is a stroke-maker and that’s his strength, but then he will have to adapt and play accordingly.”
Sourav Ganguly Backs England to Dominate In Home Conditions Ahead Of IND-ENG Test Series
Sourav Ganguly admitted that England hold the upper hand in home conditions while assessing India’s chances in the upcoming Test series in the UK. However, the former Indian captain remained optimistic about India’s prospects, stating they could be strong contenders if their batting clicks and spearhead Jasprit Bumrah delivers impactful performances.
“England are a better side in these conditions. But if India bat well and bat tough, and if they use Bumrah well, they will have a chance. Look, I will come back to watch Edgbaston or Lord’s, and that’s because I believe they have a chance,” said Ganguly (via aforementioned source).
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