Former South African captain AB de Villiers has expressed astonishment at Rishabh Pant's inclusion in India's squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The 42-year-old said Pant lacked energy and confidence during the IPL, but predicted he will perform well in the series next month.
India will play two Tests in Sri Lanka starting with the first game in Galle on August 15 and the second Test in SSC Colombo on August 23.
“Rishabh Pant is included, which, in my opinion, is a bit of a surprise. We’ll have to see what his fitness is like and his appetite to perform because he looked slightly low on confidence and energy during the IPL. But now he’s representing India again, and I believe that will bring out the best in number 17. I’m a big fan—I just want to see him play with intensity,” De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
AB de Villiers also stated that it was "great" to see Saransh Jain receive an opportunity at the age of 33 after continuously impressing in domestic cricket.
“The big surprise, however, is Saransh Jain. He’s 33 years old and has been playing first-class cricket for quite some time. It’s great to see him finally get his opportunity. He’s a right-arm off-spinner and a left-handed batter, similar to Washington Sundar.
He’s played for quite a while and his bowling numbers are excellent. He averages just over 27, with a strike rate of around 54. He’ll give Shubman Gill another useful option once the ball gets older in the middle overs. His batting record is also respectable, with several fifties and a couple of hundreds. I’d describe him as more of a bowling all-rounder than a batting all-rounder,” he added.
The former South African cricketer also shared thoughts on VVS Laxman taking over from Gautam Gambhir as head coach for Zimbabwe T20Is and the Asian Games and whether that could change the dynamic within the Indian team.
“Sometimes you think taking a break is the right thing to do—you rest, recharge and manage yourself—but then you suddenly realise that the players are really enjoying someone else’s presence. I don’t know whether there’s anything more to it, but perhaps VVS Laxman is putting a bit of pressure on Gautam Gambhir and forcing him to respond. Time will tell,” he added.
Rishabh Pant recently lost his Test vice-captaincy to KL Rahul, after India lost the home Test series to South Africa, in which he led India in one Test.
