India missing Rishabh Pant's Dynamism and Pressure-Deflecting Abilities
Pant has been a vital member for India in Tests [Twitter]
The Indian cricket team's catastrophic nine-wicket loss to Australia in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has elicited widespread discussion among cricketing cognoscenti. The Indian team's traditional strategy of preparing spin-friendly pitches backfired, as they struggled to combat Australia's unyielding spin attack.
While numerous factors have been cited for India's abject performance, many have pointed to the absence of the swashbuckling wicket-keeper batsman, Rishabh Pant, as a decisive factor in the defeat. The Indian team has struggled to cope with the void left by the stumper's aggressive style and dynamic presence in the lineup.
Pant, who was involved in a devastating car crash last year in December, has been out of action for an extended period, leaving a significant void in the Indian team.
Former Australian captain Ian Chappell, has opined that the absence of the dynamic Pant has been a game-changer for India. The renowned cricket commentator stated that the southpaw’s ability to counter pressure and put the opposition on the back foot has been sorely missed.
The Australian veteran also expressed his belief that Pant's importance to the Indian team is becoming increasingly apparent as the series progresses.
Similarly, former Pakistani leg-spinner, Danish Kaneria, also reckoned that the 25-year old's attacking style would have made a significant difference in India's fortunes.
The erstwhile spinner asserted that Pant's aggressive approach, characterized by footwork and expansive stroke-play, would have unsettled the Australian spin duo of Matt Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon. According to Kaneria, the absence of the Delhi Capitals skipper has left a void in the Indian batting line-up, which had not been adequately filled.
 "Jatin")
