Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, Farokh Engineer lauded Rishabh Pant whilst remembering his courageous knocks at the Sydney Cricket Ground and the Gabba in Brisbane. Pant was under specific needs prior to the Australian tour for his inability to score huge runs on a regular basis. His 97 in Sydney, followed by a match-winning 89 at Gabba, enabled India to secure a remarkable series whitewash. Here is why Farokh Engineer Praises Rishabh Pant.
Farokh Engineer Praises Rishabh Pant
Engineer recently mentioned Pant and MS Dhoni in the same sentence during a recent conversation. Both wicketkeeper and the batsman recalled him of his earlier days, he said. He mentioned that, like the 2 wicketkeepers, he used to be an aggressive batsman. However, he joked that he thinks he’s a better keeper when compared with both.
He also stated that he was a keeper first and a hitter, but Pant and Dhoni are the reverse. “I’ve always liked Rishabh Pant as an individual. I’m very fond of him. Pant and Dhoni reminded me of my younger days. I was the same attacking batsman, but I’d like to think I was a better wicketkeeper,” Engineer said in an interview.
I’ve always liked Rishabh Pant as an individual. I’m very fond of him: Farokh Engineer
Engineer went on to explain that in limited-overs cricket, a team might select a guy who is primarily a batter, followed by a keeper. In five-day Test cricket, though, aside must have a skilled wicketkeeper. Pant’s problem, according to him, was grabbing the ball and picking it up quickly. Engineer went on to say that the Delhi keeper has come a long way.
When asked about Pant, the veteran cricketer added, “As a batsman, he is a unique phenomenon. He’s got that confidence that very few people have. You saw him in Australia, only a complete idiot or a man with supreme confidence would do that. And I wouldn’t call him an idiot at all. I would call it supreme confidence.”
Pant, who is presently participating in the Test series against England, has been an important member of this Indian squad. The 83-year-old, who may have gotten the reserve-sweep strike in a wrong scenario, finished by wishing the young player all the best.
“He is a very talented cricketer. I wish him nothing but the very best of everything. He is maturing with every game and he will be a great servant for India,” he said.
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