What Are Expectations From Rishabh Pant For IND vs BAN Tests?

Rishabh Pant is making a return to Test cricket (X)Rishabh Pant is making a return to Test cricket (X)

As the Indian team gears up to host Bangladesh this month, all eyes are on Rishabh Pant, whose return to Test cricket is nothing short of a miracle. After a devastating car crash in December 2022 that benched him for over a year, Pant is back, not just walking but sprinting back to his former glory.

With his inclusion in the squad for the first match of the series starting on September 19, expectations are sky-high. Let’s take a look at what are expectations from Rishabh Pant in IND vs BAN Tests?

Back with a Bang: Pant’s Return to Form

Pant, once known as one of the most explosive Test batters globally, has not lost his touch if his recent performances are anything to go by. In the IPL 2024, he blazed through the tournament, scoring 446 runs in 13 innings at a hefty average of 40.55 and an eye-watering strike rate of 155.40.

His innings were not just about runs; they were statements of intent, showcasing his readiness to take on the international stage once again.

Transitioning from the T20 frenzy to the red-ball format in the Duleep Trophy 2024, Pant continued to turn heads. Representing IND B, he notched up 68 runs over two innings, including a brisk 61 off 47 in his second outing. This knock was a glimpse of Pant's inherent aggression and his ability to dominate bowlers, traits that have defined his young yet illustrious career.

A Proven Track Record in the Test Arena

Before his career abruptly paused, Rishabh Pant had amassed 2271 runs in 33 Test matches, including five centuries and 11 half-centuries, averaging 43.67.

Notably, his Test resume features two centuries on English soil and one each in Australia and South Africa—proof of his ability to tackle challenging conditions and formidable bowling attacks.

With a strike rate of 73.63, Pant’s aggressive batting style not only puts runs on the board but also shifts the momentum of a game, making him a critical asset in the Test format.

What to Expect in the Upcoming Bangladesh Tests?

As Pant gears up for the Bangladesh series, the cricket fraternity is abuzz with anticipation. The question isn't whether Pant will score; it's about how he will use his aggression to India’s advantage.

The southpaw’s fearless approach could be the key to unlocking Bangladesh's bowling strategies. His ability to score quickly and under pressure can be instrumental in setting up the game for India or chasing down tricky targets.

However, his aggressive style comes with its risks. Pant needs to balance his natural attacking instincts with the demands of Test cricket’s longer format, where patience often reaps greater rewards than impetuosity.

His recent outings in the IPL and Duleep Trophy suggest that he is in form, but adapting that form to the rigors of Test cricket against a determined Bangladesh side will be his next big test.

A Litmus Test for Pant’s Mettle and Maturity

Rishabh Pant’s return to the Test squad is laden with expectations, not just to score runs but to do so in a manner that enhances the Indian team's fortunes.

As he walks out to bat against Bangladesh, it will not just be a test of his physical recovery but also of his mental toughness. If the past is any indicator, Pant is set not only to meet but exceed expectations, using his bat to score runs the way he has done in the last few years.