Kolkata: Rishabh Pant can be an all-time great Test cricketer, feels former India captain Sourav Ganguly. At a promotional event here on Monday, Ganguly lavished praise on the wicketkeeper-batter, who returned to the India Test side just a day earlier, following a lengthy layoff due to a car accident in December 2022. “I’m not surprised that he’s back in the side, and he will continue to play for India in Tests.I consider Rishabh Pant as one of India’s best Test batsmen,” the former BCCI president said.
However, he feels Pant still has some work to do in the limited overs formats. “He needs to get better in the shorter formats. With the talent he has, I’m sure with time, he will become one of the best,” Ganguly added.
The former India opener also spoke about other players, expressing confidence that medium-pacer Mohammad Shami would be back in the team soon.
“Shami is missing (from the squad for Bangladesh series) due to an injury, but he will be back soon, since India are going to Australia.” Even without Shami, Ganguly feels India have a very good attack. Uncapped pacers Yash Dayal and Akash Deep have been named for the series. “Akash Deep is an outstanding young fast bowler. He bowls quick and is capable of bowling for long periods. I’ve seen him play for Bengal. He will be as quick as Siraj and Shami. He is one to watch out for,” Ganguly, who was announced as a brand ambassador of Raft Cosmic EV, said.
“I am looking forward to India’s tour to Australia. For me, that will be the real test. India will tour England in July, these are the two most important series. The pace bowling department, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj, and once Shami comes back, will be strong.”
India’s immediate challenge will be in the form of Bangladesh and although Ganguly feels India will win, he would not dismiss the eastern neighbours as mere pushovers. “Going to Pakistan and beating them is never easy, so congratulations to Bangladesh. But India will be a different kettle of fish. India, whether at home or away, are a fantastic side with a very strong batting unit. I don’t see Bangladesh winning. India will win the series. But India must expect good and tough cricket from Bangladesh because they are coming into the series with a lot of confidence after beating Pakistan in Pakistan,” he added.
Talking about Pakistan’s slide, Ganguly feels there is a dearth of talent, which is affecting their game. “We remember Miandad, Wasim, Waqar, Saeed Anwar, Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan. But that memory won’t win you matches. People connected with the sport will have look into it.”