Not Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma: Ajaz Patel names Indian player who terrifies rival teams

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant emerged as the lone warrior, delivering a fearless and explosive display that set the Wankhede Stadium ablaze in the third and final Test against New Zealand.

However, Pant was fabulous throughout the three-match Test series at home. With India on the brink of a consolation victory in the final Test at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, Rishabh Pant’s blistering knock of 60 runs kept the New Zealand bowlers on edge and fans on their feet, proving his capability to shift momentum single-handedly.

Ajaz Patel reveals Rishabh Pant as a “constant threat” during New Zealand’s historic Test sweep against India

However, the high-stakes game ended in heartbreak, as the left-handed batter’s controversial dismissal saw Team India falter just 25 runs short, with the Kiwis completing a historic whitewash. Well, Pant’s fierce performance didn’t go unnoticed by either his teammates or the opposition.

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New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel, who had wreaked havoc on India’s batting lineup, taking 15 wickets across the six innings, admitted that Rishabh Pant was a constant threat. With every boundary, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter appeared to remind the Kiwis why he is one of the most formidable and fearless batters in Test cricket today.

Ajaz Patel even revealed that Pant was their first target, acknowledging the unpredictable force the Indian southpaw brings to the game. Unlike many batters who might be weighed down by the pressure of a crumbling batting lineup, Pant’s unwavering aggression proved a nightmare for the Kiwi’s bowling attack, which was struggling to control his firepower in the Test series.

When Rishabh Pant is in the crease, everyone is scared: Ajaz Patel

Ajaz Patel was quoted as saying by NDTV: “When Rishabh Pant is in the crease, everyone is scared. We targeted Rishabh Pant the most in this series. He doesn't fear when in the middle. He plays his game, no matter what. His philosophy is till the time you are on the crease, you do what you want to; if you get out, no problem.”

The Mumbai-born Kiwi spinner was also asked about India's upcoming tour of Australia, where the two teams will square off in a 5-match Test series. Patel said that India has some of the best players in the world; all they need to succeed Down Under is to believe in themselves.

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As India set to travel to Australia for a five-match Test series this month, Ajaz Patel shared insights on what it will take for Team India to conquer the challenging Aussie pitches.

The Kiwi spinner highlighted that Australian conditions demand a fresh approach, warning against carrying baggage from their recent whitewash into this new challenge.

'Conditions in Australia would be different'

He added that Australia’s unique pitches and relentless pressure require Indian players to trust their skills and adapt their game. Patel signed off by saying, “Conditions in Australia would be different. If you take this series into Australia, there would not be any benefit. You need to start with a new mindset. You have some of the best players, some of whom have even played in Australia.

There would be pressure, but wins and losses are part of the game. The important thing is to keep the trust and belief alive. You need to learn to focus on what's next in line and move on from what has happened.”