IND vs BAN: “Rishabh Pant Has Been Disappointing In T20 Cricket As Well As ODIs” – Wasim Jaffer

Published - 13 Dec 2022, 05:26 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM

Rishabh Pant

Former India National Cricket Team opening batsman Wasim Jaffer has stated that the performance of the young wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been “disappointing” in T20Is and ODIs, but a small break ahead of the Test series against Bangladesh would have put him in a better state of mind.

The 25-year-old Pant was included in India’s squad for the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Bangladesh. However, ahead of the first ODI, BCCI decided to release him from the squad after consultation with the medical team.

Rishabh Pant is set to return to action in the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh National Cricket Team. The first Test will commence on Wednesday, December 14, at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo ahead of the first Test, Jaffer said that Pant is a crucial member of Team India.

“Rishabh Pant has been disappointing in T20 cricket as well as ODIs for that matter, but he has got a small break.

“I’m sure his mind must have been refreshed after the break. He is a very important player for Team India and I feel his performances are necessary for the side,” he said.

The Punjab Kings batting coach added that the performance of Pant, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara will matter a lot in the upcoming two-match Test series. He stated:

“The performances of Pujara, Kohli and Pant matter a lot. I am expecting a big score from Kohli in one contest, if not both the matches, because the pitch is really good to bat on and he looks in good form at the moment.”

This Test series is very important for Team India – Wasim Jaffer

Wasim Jaffer on Rishabh Pant — Photo Credit: (Twitter)

Wasim Jaffer further said that winning the Test series 2-0 against Bangladesh is very important for the Indian team’s hopes of qualifying for the final of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23. He elaborated:

“This Test series is very important for Team India. Out of the six Tests remaining, I feel like they have to win five of those. Out of those five, the team will have to win two in Bangladesh because winning 4-0 against this Australian team will not be an easy task.

“Australia will not let India whitewash them. They have won against Pakistan in subcontinent conditions and they gave India a tough time when they last toured.”

India defeat Australia 2-1 In Test Series 2020-21 (Image Credit: Twitter)

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 is all set to commence in February. The four Test matches are set to be played in Nagpur, Delhi, Dharamsala, and Ahmedabad. Reportedly, the Ahmedabad Test between the teams might be a day-night contest.

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