Rishabh Pant is all set to make his Test comeback against Bangladesh at home.
India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is all set to make his Test comeback for the first time since his horrific car accident in 2022.
The southpaw has been picked in the squad for the first Test of the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 in Chennai.
Ahead of his much-awaited Test return, Pant has received a lot of praise from the legendary India skipper Sourav Ganguly.
According to Ganguly, Rishabh Pant is headed for greatness in Test cricket but wants the swashbuckling left-hander to improve his record in the shortest format of the game.
"I consider Rishabh Pant one of India's best Test batsmen. I'm not surprised that he's back in the side, and he will continue to play for India in Tests," Ganguly said at a promotional event in Kolkata, as per PTI.
"He will be an all-time great in Tests if he keeps performing like this. For me, 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," he added.
In 33 Tests so far, Rishabh Pant has amassed 2271 runs at an average of 43.67, including five hundreds and 11 half-centuries. He was instrumental in India’s Test series wins on Australian soil in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has included uncapped left-arm pacer Yash Dayal and Akash Deep in the squad for the Bangladesh Test, giving Mohammad Shami more time to heal from an ankle surgery. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will spearhead the pace attack.
"I know Mohammed Shami is missing because of injury, but he will be back very soon since India is going to Australia. It's still a very good attack," Ganguly said.
"In India, you will see a lot more spin. In Chennai, you will see a lot more bounce. Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar, and Kuldeep are the four best spinners in the world at the moment -- it won't be easy. When you play in India, spinners have a lot more say in the game. But India are a very good team."
"I am looking forward to their tour to Australia; that, for me, will be the real test for the squad. Then, when they tour England in July, these are the two most important tours, to be honest. I think the pace bowling department, with Bumrah and Siraj, and once Shami comes back, will be strong."
Ganguly also praised Bengal pacer Akash Deep, saying he was a player to watch out for. "Akash Deep is an outstanding young fast bowler. He runs in, bowls quick, and will bowl for long periods. I've seen him play for Bengal, taking wickets. He will be as quick as Siraj and Shami, hitting high 140s. He is one to watch out for," he remarked.
Bangladesh are coming to India on the back of a historic 2-0 Test series win in Pakistan. However, Ganguly believes Rohit Sharma and Co. would be a different "kettle of fish".
"Going to Pakistan and beating them is never easy, so congratulations to the (Bangladesh) players. 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 said.
(With PTI Inputs)