“When Rishabh Pant is in the crease, everyone is scared” – Ajaz Patel opens up on battle with wicket-keeper in IND-NZ 2024 Test series

New Zealand’s spinner Ajaz Patel has revealed that everyone is scared when Rishabh Pant is at the crease. Pant is known for his aggressive approach and has shown the skills to turn the match on its head. The left-hander has made an outstanding return to the game after recovering from multiple injuries, which he suffered in a car accident.

Pant returned with scores of 60 and 64 runs in the third Test at Mumbai but his efforts went in vain as India suffered a 25-run loss. The southpaw top-scored in the New Zealand series, scoring 261 runs at an average of 43.50 in three Test matches.

Pant has scored 2693 runs in 38 Test matches at an average of 44.15 and he has been India’s best Test batter in the last few years.

Ajaz Patel said on NDTV Sports, “When Rishabh Pant is in the crease, everyone is scared. We targeted Rishabh Pant the most in this series. He doesn’t fear when in the middle. He plays his game, no matter what. His philosophy is till the time you are on the crease, you do what you want to, if you get out, no problem,” he said.

On the other hand, Patel reckons India will need to make a fresh start on the upcoming tour of Australia after suffering a 3-0 series loss against the Kiwis at home.

“Conditions in Australia would be different. If you take this series into Australia, there would not be any benefit. You need to start with a new mindset. You have the some of the best players, some of whom have even played in Australia,” said Patel.

“There would be pressure but wins and losses are part of the game. The important thing is to keep the trust and belief alive. You need to learn to focus on what’s next in line and move on from what has happened.”

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