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'He's Someone...,' Neither Kohli Nor Rohit; Cummins Names India's Game-Changer In Tests

Pat Cummins on Rishabh Pant [X.com]Pat Cummins on Rishabh Pant [X.com]

Rishabh Pant’s return to Test cricket after 637 days has been nothing short of spectacular. The 26-year-old made his comeback against Bangladesh, scoring a century in the second innings, which set the tone for his resurgence. 

As India are set to face Australia in the five-Test series in November, Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins shared his thoughts on Pant’s impact on modern Test cricket.

Pat Cummins’ Take On Rishabh Pant’s Influence

In a recent interview with Star Sports, Pat Cummins discussed Rishabh Pant’s role in changing the dynamics of Test cricket. 

“Look, I think every team has one or two of those players who can take the game on. You know, we’ve got Travis Head and, and Mitch Marsh and those guys.” Cummins remarked. 

He noted that players like Pant bring a new level of aggression and unpredictability to the game, forcing bowlers to rethink their strategies. Cummins pointed out that Pant’s ability to go after the bowlers with a scoring mindset is similar to that of the aggressive players in the Australian team. 

"I think that those guys, you know, that they’re going to be aggressive. If you miss your area a little bit, they’re going to take the game on. You know, something like a Rishabh Pant might play a reverse lap and it’s an incredible shot. And that’s just part of who he is,”  he added.

The Australian skipper acknowledged that Pant has been a significant influence in shifting the batting approach in Test cricket. 

“I think we’ve become a bit more accustomed to it nowadays when some of those ridiculous shots are a bit more common. But yeah, he’s someone that’s had a big influence in a couple of series and got to try and keep him quiet,” Cummins concluded.

Rishabh Pant’s Exploits Against Australia

Rishabh Pant against Aussies has been remarkable. In seven Test matches, he has scored 624 runs, including a highest score of an unbeaten 159, at a strike rate of 72.13. He has also hit one century and two fifties, making him a formidable opponent for the Australian bowlers.

Pant was instrumental in India’s series win in 2020-21, particularly with his match-saving 97 at Sydney and the unbeaten 89 at the Gabba, which sealed a historic victory for India.