Published By: Sanchari Das

Return of Rishabh: Recalling Pant’s Last WTC Performance Ahead of India vs. Ban Test

As the cricketing world turns its attention to Chennai, Rishabh Pant’s return to Test cricket brings with it the promise of excitement and hope

Rishabh Pant is set to make a grand return to test cricket in India’s upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh. The first match is slated for September 19, 2024, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This marks his return to the longer format of the game after being away for nearly 21 months due to a serious car accident. Following the crash in December 2022, which left his career in doubt, Pant’s recovery and rehabilitation have been nothing short of miraculous. His comeback, starting with India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024, has been inspiring.

A preview of the IND vs. BAN series

As India prepares to face Bangladesh in Chennai, the spotlight is on Pant. The historic MA Chidambaram Stadium, known for its spin-friendly tracks, will test the skills of both teams. With India having retained Dhruv Jurel, who impressed during his debut, there’s competition for the wicketkeeper-batter spot. However, with his wealth of experience, Pant is expected to be India’s first-choice gloveman. His aggressive batting and ability to change the course of a match will be crucial as India looks to dominate Bangladesh in what promises to be a gripping test series.

Pant’s last WTC test match performance

Pant’s last test before his accident was during the Bangladesh series in December 2022. In the second Test at Mirpur, Pant was instrumental in helping India secure a 2-0 series win. Bangladesh batted first and managed 227, with Pant playing a key role behind the stumps, taking three crucial catches. India’s reply saw Pant top-scoring with a swashbuckling 93 off just 104 balls, featuring seven boundaries and five sixes. His 159-run stand with Shreyas Iyer was the backbone of India’s innings. Pant’s fearless approach, especially against spin, turned the tide in India’s favour.

A nervous finish at Mirpur

Though Pant faltered in India’s second inning, getting out for just nine, his overall contribution was undeniable. Set to chase 145, India found themselves in trouble at 74-4. Pant’s absence with the bat in the second innings was palpable, but Shreyas Iyer and Ravichandran Ashwin held their nerve to guide India to a thrilling three-wicket win. This match highlighted Pant’s importance to the team, not just with the bat but also with his sharp glovework, which included another catch and a crucial stumping. It was his last test outing before the accident, making his upcoming match even more significant.

Pant’s stellar WTC stats

Despite his absence from cricket due to his accident, Pant’s contributions to the World Test Championship (WTC) remain significant. From 24 WTC matches, Pant has accumulated 1,575 runs, with an impressive average of 41.44. His tally includes three centuries and nine half-centuries, a testament to his ability to perform on the biggest stages. Known for his aggressive batting style, especially against top-class bowling attacks, Pant has cemented his place as one of the most impactful batters in the WTC cycle, helping India reach crucial milestones in the tournament.

Overall test career

Pant’s test career began in 2018 against England, and since then, he has played 33 matches, scoring 2,271 runs at a strike rate of 73.63. His five centuries and 11 half-centuries demonstrate his penchant for big scores, often under pressure. Pant is not just a wicketkeeper who bats, as he is a match-winner in his own right. His ability to counterattack and take the game away from the opposition has made him a vital cog in India’s test setup. With his upcoming return to the red-ball format, Pant will look to build on these stellar numbers.