New Delhi: Former India batsman VVS Laxman has lauded India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant’s performance against England in the fourth Test in Ahmedabad as one of the best innings he has seen from a youngster. He termed the youngster as the ‘biggest positive’ for the side in its past couple of Test series victories.
Pant has been phenomenal since his return to the side in the second Test in Australia. Earlier this year, the left-handed batsman led India to a sensational win at Gabba, hammering an unbeaten 89 runs against Australia in the final Test, to help his side win the series.
Besides his heroic innings he also pulled off something extraordinary on the second day, when Pant reverse swept James Anderson for a four, and that too when England had just taken the second new ball.
“The Indian team has got quite a few positives from the last two series. But I feel Rishabh Pant is the biggest positive, not only as a batsman but also as a keeper, the way he has kept on improving. If you can play shots like that against the great Jimmy Anderson, what a future he is going to have,” Laxman said.
“The Indian team was under pressure in Sydney, Brisbane and also in this match when they were 150/6. In that situation, playing your natural game with fearless shots and playing a match-winning knock is not easy for a young player,” he added.
The 46-year-old cricketer-turned-commentator credited Pant for putting in the hard work in the past few months.
“Everyone also needs to remember that the last two years have been very difficult for him but he showed positivity and improved his game by putting in the hard work and because of that, the results are being seen. I am sure there has been a significant contribution from his coaches, family members and supporters which has helped in this turnaround,” he concluded.
