Ravichandran Ashwin Praises Rishabh Pant: ‘His Defense is the Best in World Cricket’
Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has sung high praises for the star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, asserting that Pant’s defense is unparalleled in world cricket. Although Pant’s performance in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia was underwhelming up until the fourth Test, he drew attention for his contrasting styles of play in the final match.
Pant initially faced criticism for playing reckless shots and losing his wicket. However, in the last match, he scored 40 runs off 98 balls, showing remarkable patience. Then, he switched gears and scored an explosive 61 runs off 33 balls. In the fourth Test in Melbourne, while chasing a target of 340 runs, Pant displayed exceptional resilience and patience, scoring 30 runs off 104 balls.
Ashwin Praises Pant’s Defense
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin lauded Rishabh Pant, claiming that the wicketkeeper-batsman has one of the best defenses in world cricket. Ashwin highlighted Pant’s ability to defend without getting dismissed, even during practice sessions.
“Pant rarely gets out while playing defense,” Ashwin explained. “He has one of the best defenses in world cricket. Defense has become a challenging aspect, but he excels with soft hands. I have bowled to him extensively in the nets; he doesn’t get out, edge the ball, or get dismissed leg-before-wicket. His defense is remarkable. I have often conveyed this to him. However, there’s an opinion that he plays too many shots and struggles in Test cricket.” Ashwin even challenged skeptics by saying, “I will change my name if someone shows me a clip of Rishabh Pant getting out while defending 10 times. Rishabh Pant’s defense is one of the best in the world.”
Pant’s Performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rishabh Pant scored 255 runs in five matches and nine innings, including one half-century. He averaged 28.33 with a strike rate of 59.02, finishing as the sixth-highest run-scorer of the series.
India Faces Defeat and Exits World Test Championship Race
India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-3, with the final defeat against Australia by six wickets in the fifth Test in Sydney. Despite setting a target of 162 runs, India’s bowling efforts faltered, leading to their series loss. As a result, India is officially out of the race for the ICC World Test Championship final, scheduled to take place at Lord’s in June next year. Australia and South Africa have secured their spots in the championship match.
