Sourav Ganguly Picks A Star Indian Player As The Future All-time Great In Test Cricket

Sourav Ganguly, affectionately known as “Dada,” remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of Indian cricket. As captain, Ganguly revolutionized Indian cricket by instilling a sense of aggression, belief, and a winning mentality that had previously been lacking. His tenure as India’s captain saw remarkable victories, none more famous than the thrilling 2001 Kolkata Test win over Australia and the unforgettable NatWest Trophy triumph in 2002. His ability to nurture young talents like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag, and others is considered one of his greatest contributions to Indian cricket. These players went on to form the backbone of a team that would go on to dominate world cricket.

Even after his retirement from international cricket, Ganguly continues to be an influential figure in the cricketing world. His insights are highly valued in discussions around the game, and his leadership abilities saw him serve as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from 2019 to 2022. Through this role, Ganguly played a pivotal part in shaping the future of Indian cricket. His influence, however, extends far beyond administrative duties, as his opinions on the current crop of players often spark debate and excitement among fans and experts alike.

Ganguly Identifies Rishabh Pant as a Future All-Time Great

In a recent statement, Sourav Ganguly made waves by naming wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant as a future all-time great in Test cricket. According to Ganguly, Pant’s unique talent, combined with his fearless approach, makes him one of India’s best Test players, and he believes Pant is on the path to being considered among the greatest to have played the game. Ganguly, who has always had an eye for spotting raw talent, sees something special in the young wicketkeeper-batter.

“I consider Rishabh Pant one of India’s best Test batsmen. I’m not surprised that he’s back in the side, and he will continue to play for India in Tests,” Ganguly said in an interview with the Times of India. He emphasized that Pant’s aggressive yet calculated approach to the longest format of the game is what sets him apart from others. Ganguly added, “He will be an all-time great in Tests if he keeps performing like this.”

Ganguly’s endorsement of Pant as a future great carries significant weight, given his stature and experience in the cricketing world. As a former captain who shaped the careers of several legends, his praise of Pant suggests that the young star has the potential to join the pantheon of Indian cricketing legends.

Rishabh Pant’s Rise in Test Cricket

Since his debut in 2018, Rishabh Pant has become an integral part of India’s Test squad. His aggressive batting, fearless attitude, and ability to turn matches around have made him a fan favorite. He has played a pivotal role in some of India’s most memorable Test victories, including the historic 2021 series win in Australia. Pant’s match-winning knock of 89* at the Gabba, which helped India chase down 328 to win the Test and the series, is already considered one of the finest moments in Indian cricket history.

Despite his naturally aggressive style, Pant has matured as a Test batsman. He is now more patient and understands the nuances of the longest format, balancing his attacking instincts with the need to build partnerships. His glovework behind the stumps has also improved significantly, making him one of the most complete wicketkeeper-batsmen in world cricket today.

Pant’s impact on Test cricket cannot be understated. He has redefined the role of a wicketkeeper-batter, demonstrating that even in the most demanding format, aggressive batting can be a match-winning asset. His ability to take on the best bowlers in the world, particularly in tough conditions, has been a hallmark of his success.

Pant’s Comeback After Near-Fatal Accident

Pant’s rise to stardom took a dramatic turn in December 2022 when he was involved in a near-fatal car accident. The accident raised concerns about his future in cricket, with fans and experts alike unsure if he would ever return to the game at the same level. However, Pant’s remarkable recovery and subsequent return to the national team have silenced all doubts. His resilience and determination to overcome adversity have only added to his legend.

After months of rehabilitation, Pant made a triumphant return to international cricket earlier this year, featuring in both the T20 and ODI formats. His performances in these formats have been solid, though Ganguly believes that Pant’s true calling lies in Test cricket. “For me, he needs to get better in the shorter formats. With the talent he has, I’m sure with time, he will become one of the best,” Ganguly remarked. The former captain’s comments indicate that while Pant has room for improvement in white-ball cricket, his potential in the red-ball game remains unmatched.

Pant’s journey from the accident to returning to the cricket field has been nothing short of inspirational, and his presence in India’s Test squad is seen as a major boost ahead of the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

The Impact of Rishabh Pant on Indian Cricket

Pant’s aggressive and fearless approach in Test cricket has revolutionized India’s middle-order batting. Unlike traditional wicketkeeper-batsmen, who often play second fiddle to the specialist batsmen, Pant has established himself as a match-winner in his own right. His ability to take on top-quality bowlers, often in challenging conditions, has helped India secure memorable wins overseas, a feat that Indian teams of the past struggled to achieve.

Pant’s audacious strokeplay, combined with his never-back-down attitude, makes him a nightmare for bowlers, especially in the later stages of a Test match. His fearless approach is reminiscent of the kind of cricket that Ganguly himself advocated during his captaincy, making him a perfect candidate to carry forward the aggressive brand of cricket that Ganguly instilled in the Indian team.

With more than a dozen Test half-centuries and five centuries to his name, Pant has already shown glimpses of his potential greatness. If he can continue on this trajectory, it won’t be long before he joins the ranks of India’s greatest Test players.

Ganguly’s Call for Pant’s Growth in Shorter Formats

While Pant’s success in Test cricket is undeniable, Ganguly believes that he still has work to do in the shorter formats of the game. Pant has often been criticized for his inconsistency in T20 and ODI cricket, where his aggressive approach sometimes leads to reckless dismissals. However, Ganguly is confident that with time and experience, Pant will learn to temper his aggression and become a more consistent performer in white-ball cricket.

Ganguly’s advice to Pant is rooted in his belief that the young wicketkeeper-batter possesses all the tools necessary to dominate in all three formats of the game. His suggestion that Pant “needs to get better in the shorter formats” is not a critique but rather an acknowledgment of the young star’s immense potential. With the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup on the horizon, Pant’s ability to perform in the shorter formats will be crucial for India’s success in global tournaments.

India Prepares for the Test Series Against Bangladesh

As India gears up for their home Test series against Bangladesh, Rishabh Pant’s return to the Test squad will be a key storyline. The series, set to begin in Chennai on September 19, will mark Pant’s first Test appearance since his accident. His return to the longest format comes at a time when India is looking to consolidate its position in the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings.

Pant’s presence in the middle order will be crucial for India, especially given his record in home conditions. With experienced campaigners like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli at the top of the order, Pant’s role as a middle-order aggressor will be vital in setting or chasing targets. As India seeks to continue its dominance in home Tests, Pant will undoubtedly be one of the key players to watch.

Ganguly’s prediction that Pant will become an all-time great in Test cricket adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming series. The cricketing world will be watching closely to see how Pant performs, and whether he can live up to the lofty expectations set by one of India’s greatest captains.

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