
IIE Digital Desk: Rishabh Pant has been named as the player to make a big impact on India's two-Test series against Sri Lanka, according to former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta.
The first Test of India's tour of Sri Lanka will take place in Galle on August 15, and the second Test will be played in Colombo from August 23. India's wicketkeeper-batter, Pant, is a crucial player in the squad and will be expected to play if not playing with the bat.
Dasgupta believes that Pant's impact on a match can be significant and crucial to India. He praised the left-handed batter's ability to win games, emphasizing the power he can demonstrate in challenging Test situations.
Sri Lanka's ability to counter quality spin is likely to benefit greatly from Pant' aggressive batting style. Why? According to Dasgupta, spin will be a significant challenge for India in the series, and Pant's experience and attacking style could help him secure 145 runs. By utilizing his ability to counter-attack with powerful strokeplay and build an impressive innings, the wicketkeeper-batter has become one of India's most influential players in the longest format.
Pant has already started the preparations for the Sri Lanka assignment. A session was held in Ranchi last week where he and former India captain MS Dhoni were training, which garnered significant attention among cricket fans.
Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, will not be present in the series due to ongoing discomfort from a left-knee injury. His replacement, Auqib Nabi, has been enlisted to take over from his brother, Sai Sudharsan, who must still be fitness cleared.
With Shubman Gill leading the pack and KL Rahul seconding, India will be hoping for a promising Test start. Why is that? This series has the potential to be crucial for the team's bid for a World Test Championship.
Pant's challenge with his attacking style lies in his ability to deliver crucial performances in Sri Lankan conditions.
