Not Shubman Gill. Not KL Rahul. The real X-factor for India in England? It’s Rishabh Pant.
It feels like just yesterday when Pant broke into the Test team. But it’s been seven years since his debut. And now, with senior figures like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not around, Pant finds himself unexpectedly holding the mantle of leadership.
"With great power comes great responsibility." Uncle Ben’s words from Spider-Man suddenly feel fitting. Because India’s very own ‘Spidey’ has to live by that mantra now.
Pant has never just been about scoring runs. Since 2018, he’s been the disruptor—turning games on their heads, leaving bowlers baffled. His style is a perfect blend of chaos and brilliance.
There are batters who shine at home, and then there are a few who become beasts away. Pant falls in the latter category. Out of his six Test centuries, four have come overseas—a sign of how well he travels.
His last outing in Australia may not have gone to plan, but one off-series doesn’t erase the impact. And this time, he’s up against England, a team he enjoys batting against. He’s played eight Tests in England, scoring 511 runs at an average of over 34, with two centuries to his name. That 146 in Birmingham and the memorable 114 at The Oval in 2018—unforgettable performances.
When Pant fires, it’s always entertaining. The cheeky scoop, the audacious reverse sweep, the sheer confidence—he brings flair like no one else. But with added responsibility, he also needs to avoid those frustrating ‘Stupid, stupid, stupid’ moments.
Should he change his approach though? Absolutely not. Asking Pant to play safe is like asking a tiger to meow. The thrill, the unpredictability, the madness—that’s what makes Rishabh Pant a force no bowler wants to face, and a game-changer India desperately needs.
Also Watch: The Great Indian Batting Legacy: Can Shubman Gill match Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly and Kohli?
