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In the lead-up to the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) set to take place in Australia later this year, former Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden has singled out Rishabh Pant as a key player to watch. According to Hayden, Pant’s “muscle memory and thirst for victory” will be crucial for India’s success in the series, which is scheduled to begin in November 2024.
Hayden’s confidence in Pant stems from the wicketkeeper-batsman’s previous exploits on Australian soil. Pant played a pivotal role in India’s historic 2020-21 tour of Australia, where his daring and innovative batting style left an indelible mark on the series. Notably, his unbeaten 89 in Brisbane was instrumental in securing India’s 2-1 series victory, a win that came despite India fielding a depleted squad due to injuries.
The upcoming series marks Pant’s first Test tour of Australia since his life-threatening car accident in 2022. Having successfully returned to competitive cricket, Pant’s form and fitness will be under the spotlight. However, Hayden believes that Pant’s aggressive style and ability to perform under pressure will be crucial for India, particularly in Australian conditions, which have historically challenged subcontinent players.
Beyond his recent accolades, Pant’s cricketing journey has been one of rapid ascent. Since his debut in 2018, he has become one of India’s most exciting talents. Known for his fearless approach, Pant has often drawn comparisons to the likes of Adam Gilchrist, blending wicketkeeping duties with game-changing batting performances. His record in Australia further cements his reputation, with two centuries and several match-winning innings to his name.
Hayden’s endorsement of Pant also highlights the broader challenges that India will face in the BGT. With Australian pitches offering bounce and pace, the series will be a stern test for India’s batting lineup. However, as Hayden pointed out, India has shown resilience on these shores before, and with Pant in their ranks, they have a player who can turn the tide in their favour.
As the cricketing world gears up for this high-stakes series, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Rishabh Pant. His performance could very well be the difference between victory and defeat for India in one of the most competitive rivalries in Test cricket.