Rishabh Pant and Akash Chopra. (Source – Twitter/X)
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra recently came forward and expressed his doubt on whether or not star India batter Rishabh Pant can be deemed as India’s greatest-ever Test batter. He highlighted that legendary former India skipper MS Dhoni is also in the race.
It is worth noting that Pant recently made his return to Test cricket after being involved in a life-threatening car accident in December 2022. On his return to the longest format, Pant scored an exceptional century against Bangladesh in the second innings of the first Test.
According to Chopra, Pant’s performances in overseas conditions have given him an edge over others, but he is not sure if he is the greatest Test batter India has ever produced.
Also Read: Rishabh Pant is ideal keeper for India in Australian conditions: Ian Chappell
“MS Dhoni’s name is present in that list, so there will be a question on that. However, if you see from the viewpoint that we only consider performances in SENA countries because we have grown up like that, he is the only wicketkeeper to score centuries in South Africa, England, and South Africa,” Aakash Chopra told Colors Cineplex.
However, Chopra opined that even if Rishabh Pant is not the greatest Test batter right now, he sure does have the potential to become India’s greatest-ever Test batter by the end of his career.
“He has already scored six centuries and he has played just 58 innings. Even if he is not the greatest now, he can definitely finish as the greatest,” Chopra added.
India set to take on Bangladesh in Kanpur
Speaking of team India’s upcoming assignments, the side is all set to take on Bangladesh in the second Test. Both sides will lock horns at the Green Park, Kanpur, from September 27. India has already won the first Test of the form and with the advantage in their hands, the hosts will aim to clinch the series.
On the other hand, Bangladesh will hope to put in an improved performance in Kanpur. It is worth noting that the side did show glimpses of class in some moments of the first Test but fizzled out throughout the majority of the game.