Australian batters Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh have picked Rishabh Pant as the one Indian cricketer they believe is the most Australian. Pant is known for his aggressive approach and has performed consistently against Australia.
Pant has played a key role in India’s success in the last two tours. The left-hander scored 350 runs in four Test matches on the 2018-19 tour at an average of 58.33 against Australia, including 159 at the SCG. Subsequently, the southpaw scored 274 runs in three matches on the 2020-21 tour, including a match-winning unbeaten knock of 89 runs at the Gabba.
Pant has scored 624 runs in seven Test matches in Australia at an average of 62.40 and he will look to continue his love affair against Australia in the upcoming tour.
“The Indian cricketer I believe is most Australian would be Rishabh Pant. I think the way he goes about his aggressive nature, the way he goes about his work, he’d be very enjoyable to play with,” Head commented on Star Sports.
“He’s a ripping bloke. I wish he was Australian. He’s obviously been through a lot the last few years. Hell of a comeback. He’s a positive guy, he’s still very young, he loves winning. He’s highly competitive for someone who, I guess, has the persona of being relaxed – always laughing and smiling. He has got that big smile,” Marsh opined about the Indian wicketkeeper.
Earlier, Australian veteran spinner Nathan Lyon had said that room for error is very small while bowling to Rishabh Pant.
Nathan Lyon said on Star Sports, “Bowling to someone like Rishabh Pant – he is electric, isn’t he? He’s got all the skill in the world. As a bowler, your room for error is so small, so you got to be good. It’s a challenge. As a bowler, if I get hit for a six, I’m not afraid.
The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.
