As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 approaches, Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has identified Rishabh Pant as one of India’s biggest threats. Cummins, reflecting on Pant’s influence in previous series, acknowledged that Pant’s dynamic and aggressive approach with the bat poses a unique challenge to Australia’s bowlers.
Rishabh Pant has been a thorn in Australia’s side during the last two Border-Gavaskar series. In the 2018-19 series, Pant emerged as the second-highest run-scorer with 350 runs at an impressive average of 58.33, including a stunning 159* at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Pant’s consistency continued into the 2020-21 series, where he scored 274 runs across three Tests, playing a pivotal role in India’s remarkable series victory. His unbeaten 89* at the Gabba, which secured India’s win in that series, is still etched in Australian cricket’s memory.
Cummins acknowledged Pant’s fearless style, which often sees him attempting audacious shots, like reverse laps and scoops, regardless of the match situation. According to Cummins, players like Pant can turn a game around in a matter of minutes. “Pant is someone who can play a reverse lap or scoop, and it’s an incredible shot. We’ve seen him do it time and again, and it’s a natural part of his game,” Cummins said. However, he also pointed out that Australia is becoming more accustomed to such shots, as they have become more common in modern cricket.
Cummins went on to emphasize that Australia will be focusing on keeping Pant quiet in the upcoming series. “We know he can have a huge influence on the game, and we’ve seen it before. Our goal is to try and neutralize that threat,” Cummins stated. The Australian captain’s comments reflect a shift in Australia’s approach to Pant, as they prepare for their first Test series victory over India since 2014-15.
Pant’s return to form in 2024 has been nothing short of spectacular. After a serious car accident in late 2022 that kept him out of international cricket for over a year, Pant made a triumphant return in the recent Test series against Bangladesh. He smashed his sixth Test century, equaling MS Dhoni’s record for the most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper in Test cricket. Pant’s aggressive stroke play, particularly in the subcontinent, has once again made him a focal point of opposition bowling plans. Cummins compared Pant’s batting style to that of Australian players Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, who also play aggressively regardless of match conditions.
The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy is crucial for both teams. India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, is looking to extend their dominance over Australia in the Test format. Meanwhile, Australia is eager to reclaim the trophy and secure their first series win against India since 2015. Cummins’ strategy of targeting Pant is indicative of the high regard the Australian team holds for the Indian wicketkeeper-batter.
Australia’s bowlers, including Cummins himself, will need to be at their very best to contain Pant’s natural aggression. Pant has proven in the past that he thrives under pressure, and his ability to change the course of a game with a single session could be the deciding factor in the series. With the series set to begin in late November 2024, all eyes will be on this fascinating contest between Cummins and Pant.
India, too, will be aware of the threat Australia poses. The likes of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head will be key figures in the Australian batting line-up, while Cummins, alongside Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, will spearhead the bowling attack. However, if Pant can replicate his past performances, India will feel confident about their chances of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
As the countdown to the series begins, Pat Cummins’ comments underline the respect Pant commands in world cricket today. The stage is set for another riveting chapter in the fierce India-Australia rivalry, with Pant once again in the spotlight as the player Australia must contain if they hope to reclaim the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy.