Ricky Ponting has heaped praise on Rishabh Pant, calling him a "serious cricketer" and comparing his remarkable stats to those of MS Dhoni, as the excitement builds for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which kicks off on November 22 in Perth.
Ponting, the former Australian captain, who closely worked with Pant during his seven-year stint at Delhi Capitals in the IPL, highlighted Pant's rapid rise in Test cricket. At just 26 years old, Pant has already notched up five centuries in 33 Test matches, a feat that nearly matches Dhoni’s record of six centuries in 90 Tests over a long career. Ponting used this comparison to underline Pant’s extraordinary talent and impact on the game in such a short span of time.
"We’ve all seen Rishabh in action, and his energy is infectious, whether it’s his explosive batting or his constant chatter on the stump mic. He’s a joy to have around the team," Ponting said in an interview with Sky Sports. "More than that, he’s a winner. He doesn’t just go out there to score a few runs and have some fun; he plays to win."
Ponting further elaborated on Pant’s impressive record: "Pant must already have four or five Test hundreds and around nine scores in the 90s. Compare that with Dhoni, who played 90 Tests and only managed six hundreds. That just shows how special Pant is. He's got so much more to give, and I believe he’s going to be a game-changer in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy."
Pant’s ability to change the course of a match with his fearless approach to batting, along with his leadership qualities, has made him a key figure in India’s Test side. Ponting’s words of praise ahead of such a high-profile series underscore the growing recognition of Pant’s importance in shaping India's future in Test cricket.
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy draws near, Pant will be eager to make an impact once again, and his performance could be pivotal in India's quest for success against Australia.
