He Can Take The Game Away From The Opposition: Ravichandran Ashwin On Rishabh Pant

Champion Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped high praise on dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, Rishabh Pant, stating that the 23-year-old can prove to be a game-changer during the upcoming World Test Championship final against New Zealand.

Rishabh Pant has impinged himself as one of the clutch players of the modern era thanks to a whole host of match-winning performances that the 23-year-old has put up in difficult situations in his brief Test career.

Pant has had a fairytale last 6-7 months where he established himself as India’s No.1 choice keeper through sheer weight of runs in difficult circumstances ably backed with a remarkable improvement in his keeping skills, especially on turning tracks.

The 23-year-old laid the cornerstone for an eventual draw in the Sydney Test courtesy a whirlwind 97 on a 5th-day track and he went one better in the next match as he smashed a brilliantly calculated 89* in the fourth innings to not only help India breach the Gabbatoir but also lead the visitors to a historic Test series win Down Under

Rishabh Pant was it again during the home series against England as he smashed a couple of half-centuries before scoring a series-winning ton in Ahmedabad, an inning best remembered for his audacious reverse-flick off James Anderson.

“We all know what sort of player Rishabh is. He can take the game away from the opposition,” Ravichandran Ashwin told The New Indian Express.

Ashwin further added that Rishabh Pant’s presence in the team gives Team India the luxury to play five bowlers as the southpaw is good enough to bat at the No.6 spot.

Ashwin signed off by saying that Pant’s natural bat swing and his fearless attitude makes him a special player and a game-changer.

“We have the luxury of batting the keeper at No. 6 and playing five bowlers, which is so crucial for the combination. His natural bat swing and fearless approach make him a special player and a talent to watch” Ashwin added.

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