Rishabh Pant taken to Test cricket like a duck to water: Rahul Dravid

New Delhi: Former India head coach Rahul Dravid, while sharing his thoughts on Rishabh Pant’s match-winning 89 not out against Australia at the Gabba during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, has said that the wicketkeeper batter has “taken to Test cricket like a duck to water” and called his performance in the red-ball format “sensational.”

Pant’s heroic innings came on the final day of the fourth and final Test, with India chasing a daunting target of 328. His counterattacking style not only secured a historic 3-wicket victory but also ended Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba, sealing the series 2-1 for India.

“I think Rishabh’s was an incredible performance. Watching Rishabh there and chasing to get 89 to win that Test match at the Gabba, with everything on the line and such a depleted side, to put in that kind of performance under that kind of pressure—truly sensational,” Dravid said to to Star Sports.

Pant’s record against Australia speaks volumes — in eight Tests, he has amassed 662 runs at an average of 55.16, with two fifties and a hundred. Notably, his contributions in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 tours helped India clinch the Border Gavaskar Trophy, solidifying his status as a match-winner.

“What a special cricketer he’s been. He’s just taken to Test cricket like a duck to water. It’s just phenomenal. I mean, it’s hard to imagine that, after Dhoni left, you felt there might be some 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,” Dravid added.

Dravid also reacted to the fact that, despite several incredible performances by Indian batsmen in Australia over the years, his double century during the 2003 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide remains a fan favourite. IANS

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