Legend already? Pant on path of overtaking Dhoni as Asia's best wicketkeeper-batter in SENA conditions

Leeds, June 19: After a disastrous Indian Premier League (IPL) outing as a skipper and batter for Lucknow Super Giants, India's star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has a chance to redeem himself, outdoing his ex-skipper and icon MS Dhoni to become the most successful wicketkeeper-batter in South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia (SENA) conditions.

Since his Test debut in 2018, there have been several words that have defined Pant's game, especially in overseas conditions. counter-attacking, bold, audacious, stubborn, risky, foolish, match-turning, etc. It could leave fans and opponents stunned for a second and then, fuming at him the very next second, because of a rash shot that landed in a fielder's hands somewhere. But one thing is for sure: Pant in Test cricket is a blockbuster act, both for his unpredictability and intelligent crisis management.

The fact that four out of his six centuries have come in SENA conditions speaks volumes about his adaptability in tough situations. During his past tours to Australia and England, fans have seen him knock around a few deliveries for singles and doubles to assess the pitch and then put his 'Spidey' suit on to perform batting acrobatics like no others. Pant falling on the ground while attempting a shot, the bat slipping out of his hand while taking the aerial route, or him unleashing a one-handed sixer, one can never predict what is coming next.

One more century during this England tour, starting from Friday, will witness him score his fifth century in SENA conditions, the most by an Asian batter. One each has come in South Africa, two in England, and one in Australia.

Also, another century will take his Test century count to seven, the most by an Indian batter, surpassing MS Dhoni's tally of six tons.

Currently in SENA, Pant has scored 1,681 runs in 26 Tests and 48 innings at an average of 37.35, with four centuries and five fifties. A half-century is all he needs to become the top run-getter among all Asians in SENA conditions, overtaking Dhoni, who has scored 1,731 runs in 32 matches and 60 innings at an average of 31.47, with 13 half-centuries.

With a 24-year-old Dhruv Jurel hot on his heels with consistent performances for India A, it is extremely important that Pant has a fine series in England. While a player of Pant's calibre cannot be dropped so easily, he did have an underwhelming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, with 255 runs in nine innings at an average of 28.33 and just one fifty.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:

A

Arjun K.

Pant is pure entertainment! 🎭 His fearless batting reminds me of Sehwag's golden days. Records will come naturally if he focuses on consistency. Hope he silences critics with a big knock at Leeds!

P

Priya M.

Comparing Pant to Dhoni at this stage is unfair. Dhoni had incredible temperament in pressure situations. Pant needs to work on shot selection - sometimes he throws his wicket away unnecessarily.

R

Rahul S.

That 'Spidey suit' reference is perfect! 🕷️ Pant's ability to change gears is unmatched. In SENA conditions where most Indians struggle, he thrives. Hope he breaks all records this series!

S

Sanjana T.

Let's not forget his keeping skills have improved massively too. The way he stood up to Ashwin-Jadeja in home tests was brilliant. A complete package in making!

V

Vikram J.

Stats don't lie - Pant is already India's best overseas keeper-batter. But he needs to be more responsible in crunch situations. That's where Dhoni was masterclass. Still, future looks bright! 🇮🇳

N

Neha P.

The Jurel competition is good for Indian cricket. Pant needs this pressure to perform. Hope he plays his natural game in England - when he's aggressive, even Anderson looks ordinary!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.