Rahul Dravid hails ‘special’ Rishabh Pant, calls wicket-keeper’s performances in Test cricket as ‘sensational’

Former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid has showered praise on Rishabh Pant for taking Test cricket like duck to water. Pant has been a consistent performer for India in the red-ball version and has already played some unbelievable knocks at the top level.

The wicket-keeper bat has scored 2693 runs in 38 Test matches at an impressive average of 44.15. Pant has scored 624 runs in seven Test matches against Australia at an average of 62.40 and has delivered while playing in Australia.

Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Rahul Dravid said, “And what a special cricketer he has been. He’s just taken to Test cricket like a duck to water. It’s just phenomenal. After (MS) Dhoni left, you felt that it might take time for someone to come in and replace him. I’m not saying he’s replaced him, but certainly, in Test cricket, his performances have been absolutely sensational.”

Pant also finished as the leading run-getter in the three-match Test series against New Zealand as he scored 261 runs at an average of 43.50. 

On the other hand, Rahul Dravid’s Adelaide knocks of 233 and 72* were voted as the best performance by an Indian batter in Australian conditions on ESPN Cricinfo. Dravid defeated Rishabh Pant’s match-winning knock of 89 at the Gabba in the final. 

“Geez, that’s a tough one to beat. I think Rishabh’s was an absolutely incredible performance. Watching him there, chasing to get 89 to win that Test in Brisbane, with everything on the line, with such a depleted side. To put in that kind of performance under that kind of pressure – truly sensational,” Dravid said.

Pant has consistently delivered and he will look to continue his purple patch against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar series.

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.