'We Were Worried In Pakistan,' Wasim Akram Hails Rishabh Pant For Remarkable Post-Injury Comeback
Rishabh Pant slammed a century on his comeback Test [PTI]
Pakistan's legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram heaped praise on Rishabh Pant for his incredible comeback following an injury hiatus. Hailed for his scintillating stroke play, Pant made his much-awaited return to Test cricket, featuring in India's series opener against Bangladesh at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The swashbuckling southpaw played a pivotal role in India's incredible victory in the Test match. After contributing crucial 39 runs in the first innings, Pant followed it up with a blistering ton to script the hosts' thumping win.
Pant received massive applause from all corners of the world following his batting exploits in the Chennai Test. Pakistan's fast bowling great Wasim Akram also joined the long list of Pant's admirers, addressing him as a superhuman.
Wasim Akram Hails Rishabh Pant For Bouncing Back
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Wasim Akram recalled how his accident was traumatic even for Pakistanis, who prayed for his recovery following the tragic incident. He also lauded Rishabh Pant for re-announcing himself with a match-winning century on his first red-ball appearance since 2022.
"Look at Pant's performance, the miracle that he has performed by showing he is superhuman by returning from his tragedy. The way his accident happened, we were all worried in Pakistan, I was worried and tweeted about him," Akram stated.
The ICC Hall Of Famer also recalled his gutsy knocks, highlighting his aggressive approach while dealing with hostile fast bowlers.
"The way he used to play in Test cricket, the way he performed in Australia with the century then. The way he batted against England, playing a reverse sweep against [James] Anderson in Test cricket, even [Pat] Cummins. He's special," he added.
Rishabh Pant's Importance For India In 2nd Test
After securing a thumping win in Chennai, India will be keen to sustain their purple patch and secure a whitewash over the visitors. Rishabh Pant is expected to play a crucial role for India, as he can be their wrecker-in-chief with the bat on a spin-friendly Kanpur surface. Furthermore, he has a safe pair of hands and could be a game-changer behind the stumps in the decider.