India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has showered rich praise on Yashasvi Jaiswal for his remarkable exploits in the recently held Test series against England.
Jaiswal amassed 712 runs at an average of 89 and a strike-rate of 79.91 with two double tons and three half-centuries. His heroics helped India clinch the five-match series 4-1 despite going down in the opening Test at Hyderabad.
Pant feels Jaiswal will go miles in his career if the left-handed opener continues putting in the hard yards.
“Really amazing. The way all the youngsters are stepping up. I think it's been really amazing because, you know, over a period of time; some new people come to the team,” Pant said while speaking to Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan on the Club Praire Fire podcast.
“Every time you won’t see them performing, but when they perform and keep their heads (down)... Like not thinking too much… And Jaiswal is someone who likes keeping his head down and just keeps doing what he is doing. And I think if he keeps on doing that, then there’s a long way to go,” he added.
Talking about Rishabh Pant, the BCCI recently declared him fit for the upcoming IPL 2024 season, slated to get underway on March 22.
Notably, Pant has been out of competitive action ever since his horrific car crash in December 2022. He tore all three key ligaments in his right knee and had three successful reconstructive surgeries in the aftermath of the near-fatal accident.
The southpaw then underwent an extended rehabilitation at the NCA and missed out on all the action last year, including the IPL, WTC final, Asia Cup and World Cup.
Speaking on the podcast, Pant admitted that he missed being around the Indian team during his recovery period.
The 26-year-old further said while he is looking to make his international comeback, he isn't looking too far ahead.
"As a player you want to get back to international cricket. But at the same time, I don't want to think about it too much. Looking at what is on my plate at the moment. I just try to keep it simple," said Pant.
"One thing that I missed was being around the team. With the teammates, you have the banter and funny moments. That kind of environment. That was something I really missed," he stated.
Rishabh Pant said he was always confident about his recovery from the car accident and his comeback to cricket.
"I always had that belief, no matter what, I have to start playing cricket again. I don't know what capacity and what time frame. But at the same time, I knew I was going to be back and hopefully, I am going to do better and better each game," he remarked.
Pant said he is having goosebumps thinking about his return to competitive cricket after a 15-month hiatus.
"When you're sitting outside having all the fun. But on the field it is different. So yeah, I am little nervous. But that's part of the game. It's part of the process. I am really excited because I don't know how I am going to feel on the field, just have goosebumps thinking about it. But at the same time, not thinking about my return all the time, it is part of my mind. But I am keeping it simple," said Pant.
