Rishabh Pant’s long-awaited return to Test cricket after 637 days was met with high praise from former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja. His comeback came during India’s Test series against Bangladesh at Chepauk, Chennai, where Pant demonstrated his characteristic team-first mindset, despite his long absence from the game. After recovering from a horrific car accident in December 2022 and undergoing multiple surgeries, Pant made his return not only to cricket but also to India’s Test squad—an achievement that underscores his resilience and determination.
Pant, who missed nearly two years of international Test cricket, first got back into competitive action in the IPL and later in ODIs. Yet, his return to Test cricket was the most anticipated, as Pant is widely considered one of the most impactful wicketkeeper-batters in modern Test cricket. Despite doubts about how his body would cope with the rigors of the longer format after such a long layoff, Pant delivered an outstanding performance. In the first Test against Bangladesh, he scored an aggressive century, smashing 109 runs off just 128 balls, helping India post a commanding lead. Jadeja, commenting on Pant’s impact, emphasized that his fearless, aggressive batting and high-risk approach are what make him unique in Test cricket.
Jadeja pointed out that Pant plays the game with an air of casualness that belies his sharp cricketing intellect. His approach might seem carefree at times, but it is guided by a deep understanding of his strengths and how they can benefit the team. Jadeja hailed Pant’s century not only for its aggression but also for the strategic maturity he showed throughout the innings. “When you see Rishabh Pant, it seems like he is casual and doesn’t pay too much attention to his game. But you can see from the way he talks and plays that he is a thinking cricketer,” Jadeja said, highlighting Pant’s intelligent decision-making during the innings.
Pant’s team-first mindset, according to Jadeja, is what sets him apart. Despite being out of the international circuit for so long, Pant returned with a clear intention of contributing to the team’s success, focusing on the game and his role in it rather than on personal accolades. This attitude of prioritizing the team above individual glory is not new for Pant. Over the years, his ability to play game-changing knocks under pressure has been a hallmark of his Test career, from his series-defining century in the 2021 Australia tour to his match-winning innings in the 2022 series against England.
Jadeja also emphasized how Pant’s aggressive brand of cricket adds a different dimension to India’s Test team. While traditional batsmen like Cheteshwar Pujara or Rahul Dravid anchor the innings with patience and technique, Pant brings flair and unpredictability. Jadeja explained that Pant understands that he cannot bat like Pujara or Dravid, and this realization is what makes him such a special player. His self-awareness allows him to capitalize on his natural aggression, which often puts the opposition under pressure, forcing them into mistakes.
Pant’s 109-run innings in the first Test against Bangladesh was not just a personal triumph but also a statement that he is back, and with full force. His performance has reinvigorated the Indian team, and with crucial series like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy ahead, Jadeja believes Pant’s fearless style of play will be a nightmare for opponents. “I think every team must be scared of Rishabh Pant, considering his consistency in Test cricket. You want to take his wicket at the start of his innings, or else he will make you run the entire day,” Jadeja remarked, emphasizing the threat Pant poses to rival teams.
Moreover, Pant’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for India. With the Test calendar featuring high-stakes series, including the clash with Australia, Pant’s ability to change the course of a match in just one session will be crucial. His unpredictability makes him a more intimidating figure for bowlers compared to more conventional batsmen like Virat Kohli or Shubman Gill, who, while consistent, do not exert the same level of pressure on the opposition in such a short span of time.
Pant’s comeback has also sparked renewed discussions about his future role in the Indian Test team. With rumors circulating before his injury that Pant was being groomed for a leadership role, his return to form could reignite talks about him being a potential future captain. Jadeja echoed these sentiments, saying that Pant’s leadership qualities were evident even before his injury, and his ability to play selflessly and fearlessly for the team makes him a valuable asset for Indian cricket in the years to come.
As Pant continues to make his mark in Test cricket, his journey from a near-fatal accident to scoring a match-winning century serves as a reminder of his resilience and dedication to the game. His team-first mentality, praised by veterans like Jadeja, will undoubtedly continue to endear him to fans and solidify his place as one of the most exciting cricketers in the modern era.