Parthiv Patel issues huge 'workload' warning as Rishabh Pant set for Test return after 632 days

Former India National Cricket Team wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel has issued a huge warning to the team management ahead of the return of Rishabh Pant to Test cricket.

Rishabh Pant is set to play a Test match for India after a hiatus of 632 days. He was away from cricket for a very long time following his car accident in 2022. He made his T20I comeback in the T20 World Cup 2024 and ODI comeback on the Sri Lanka tour 2024 and will make his Test comeback in the home series against Bangladesh.

The first Test between India and Bangladesh will be played from September 19 in Chennai, and the second Test will be played from September 27 in Kanpur.

Meanwhile, Parthiv Patel called Rishabh Pant an "inspiration" and highlighted his success in Test cricket, especially in SENA countries.

"He has set a great example and has become an inspiration for sure. I mean, the kind of accident he had and the way he has made a comeback, it is absolutely remarkable. On a personal point of view, you've got to give credit to him. He has worked really hard, as I've been in touch with him during his rehab time," Parthiv told IANS.

"So, hats off to him. As far as the Indian team is concerned, he's been a match winner in Test format. We've seen how well he has played in several countries, so to say, all in SENA countries. He's got hundreds, even when he was playing in Indian conditions, and has scored brilliantly in crucial Test matches."

For me, the biggest improvement which I have seen is... - Parthiv Patel on Rishabh Pant

Parthiv Patel added that Rishabh Pant has made a significant improvement in his wicketkeeping and him being left-handed provides variety to the Indian batting order.

"For me, the biggest improvement which I have seen is in his wicket-keeping. If we can go back to that England series in 2021, where it was rank-turners, but that’s where he kept brilliantly. Plus, he’s a left-handed attacking batter who can take the game away in one session, all of these are pluses for Rishabh Pant and Indian team. But I think that his wicket-keeping has been fantastic, and it’s really good to see that he's putting in hard yards behind his keeping skills," Parthiv Patel added.

Parthiv Patel, meanwhile, warned Indian team management to manage the workload of Rishabh Pant properly with the big Test season coming up. He said that Dhurv Jurel should be given the opportunity to play whenever there is a need to provide Rishabh Pant a rest.

"It is a very big task for everyone to play five Test matches. But, you have to see that Rishabh is also making a comeback. He had a good Duleep Trophy game. Now, it depends on the workload of how much time he is spending on the ground as a wicketkeeper and batter both," the former India international explained.

"So, they will take it by the ear and see how he is feeling, because players' feedback is also that important. So, you might see Dhruv Jurel playing one of the five home Test matches. But it all depends on what and how Rishabh Pant is spending time on the ground."

Overall, Rishabh Pant has played 33 Test matches and has scored 2271 runs at an average of 43.67, with 5 centuries and 11 fifties.