Rishabh Pant has been the biggest match-winner for India, his best is yet to come: Mohammad Kaif

Rishabh Pant. (Source – BCCI)

Team India got off to a brilliant start in the Test series against Bangladesh. India took on the visitors at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on September 19, and after four days of play, the side managed to register a 280-run victory, gaining the upper hand in the series. 

One of the most talked-about moments of the series was the performance of star batter Rishabh Pant. The 26-year-old made his comeback to the Test team after almost 2 years as he was involved in a life-threatening car accident back in December 2022. 

However, on his return, Pant instantly went to work and scored 39 and 109 across the two innings of the game and helped India win the game. Pant’s performances heavily impressed former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif, who came forward and branded the batter as the biggest match-winner for team India. 

“Rishabh Pant wasn’t there the last time when England toured India. Pant has been the biggest match-winner for India, coming in at No. 5-6, he has played many match-winning knocks, none bigger than the innings at the Gabba that all remember,” Mohammad Kaif told the Times of India.

“So I think Rishabh Pant, stat-wise, is best suited to Test cricket, that’s his best format. There is no need for the Indian think tank to think of anybody other than Rishabh Pant. His best is yet to come, he is yet to hit his prime when he’ll be around 27, his game will become more refined and then he will hit his peak. So Rishabh Pant’s best time is yet to come, especially in Test cricket,” he added.

It is worth noting that Pant has also equaled the record of former India skipper MS Dhoni for the most Test centuries for India by the wicketkeeper, as both players have six tons to their name. Pant achieved the feat in 34 Test matches, where he has amassed 2419 runs so far, whereas Dhoni, who played 90 Tests throughout his career, scored 4876 runs and hit six tons.