As the cricketing world gears up for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has heaped praise on Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards, Hayden highlighted Pant’s “muscle memory and thirst for victory” as key attributes that make him a formidable player in the upcoming series against Australia.
SOURCE : ZEE
Rishabh Pant has been a standout performer for India in their recent tours of Australia. His fearless batting and ability to perform under pressure have earned him accolades from fans and critics alike. During the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pant played a crucial role in India’s historic series win, scoring memorable knocks of 97 and an unbeaten 89 at the Gabba, leading India to a dramatic victory.
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Hayden reminisced about Pant’s performances, stating, “Guys like Rishabh Pant have got a muscle memory and the thirst for victory. He was such a key player last time he played there, and the Australian public loved him as well, because of the nature of the way he played his game. It was exciting, innovative, fresh, and good”.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to commence on November 22, 2024, in Perth, promises to be a thrilling contest between two cricketing giants. The five-Test series will see India and Australia battling it out in some of the most iconic cricketing venues, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Sydney Cricket Ground
Hayden emphasized the importance of Pant’s role in the series, noting that his aggressive style of play could be a game-changer for India. “From a batting point of view, I’m excited to see how India strategizes to take on the Australian conditions. Pant’s ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial,” Hayden added.
The upcoming series will not be without its challenges. The Australian team, known for its formidable pace attack and home advantage, will be looking to reclaim the trophy. However, Hayden pointed out that the inclusion of a day-night Test in Adelaide could level the playing field. “Scheduling a day-night Test tends to take away the advantage enjoyed by Australian teams in the past. Once you get those overhead conditions under that twilight zone, they can be really difficult,” he explained
India’s previous tour saw them overcoming significant hurdles, including the absence of key players like Virat Kohli and injuries to frontline bowlers. Despite these setbacks, the team managed to secure a historic series win, showcasing their depth and resilience. Hayden believes this experience will boost India’s confidence as they head into the new series. “The great thing from an Indian perspective is that when you look at the last victory, there was no Virat Kohli. There was a very much a second team bowling line-up that won at the Gabba. That’s the kind of confidence that you can expect this Indian unit to go to our shores with,” he said.
Rishabh Pant’s journey back to international cricket has been nothing short of inspirational. After a life-threatening accident in 2022, Pant made a successful return to the sport, demonstrating his determination and resilience. His performances since his comeback have been closely watched, and his inclusion in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad is seen as a testament to his hard work and dedication.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on players like Rishabh Pant, whose talent and tenacity have the potential to turn the tide in India’s favor. With Matthew Hayden’s endorsement and the backing of millions of fans, Pant is set to be a key player in what promises to be an epic cricketing showdown.
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