Three reasons why Rishabh Pant will shine in series against New Zealand

India are set to host New Zealand for a three-match Test series , starting on October 16 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Rohit Sharma-led side will aim to take down their rivals to further solidify their position in the World Test Championship 2025 final. India will enter the series on the back of a two-match series win against Bangladesh, whereas, New Zealand, who have recently lost their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka will aim to make a big impact. 

India will have an upper hand over their rivals, considering their recent form at home as well as the 36-year-long streak they have maintained against New Zealand at home conditions. However, Gautam Gambhir-led management won’t take their rivals lightly and will come up with the best playing XI. The series will also see Rishabh Pant keeping the wickets. The wicketkeeper-batter has made a huge impact ever since his return from a year long injury hiatus, and he will be expected to make a mark in the forthcoming series as well. 

Three reasons why Rishabh Pant will shine in series against New Zealand

Let us have a look at three reasons why Pant would shine in the forthcoming series against New Zealand: 

Recent form

rishabh pant recent form sportstiger

Pant has been in excellent form and has earned applause from fans and punters alike for the kind of comeback he has made. In his first comeback Test against Bangladesh, Rishabh Pant scored 148 runs in both the innings in Kanpur. The knocks put Pant straight back into sixth place of the rankings with 731 points while he equalled legendary keeper MS Dhoni on most centuries as an Indian wicketkeeper. Considering the form he has been in, Pant is likely to do some magic with bat in Bengaluru. 

Ability to score quickly and keep wickets in pressure

rishabh pant ability to score quickly and keep wickets in pressure sportstiger

Another reason Pant will do wonders against Kiwis is his ability to score quickly when combined with his innovative aggression. Apart from that, Pant has also been a key wicketkeeper for India and has turned the wave of many games with his quick thinking. He is a keeper who covers a lot of territory to both sides of the wickets. It goes without coaching that his keeping standing up to the stumps has drastically improved before his serious car accident. 

Aggressive approach

rishabh pant aggressive approach

Pant is known for his aggressive style while batting as well as keeping wickets. While batting, his style has unsettled many bowlers, allowing him to score runs quickly. This approach has been particularly effective when the team has faced early breakthroughs. For example, in his first Test against Bangladesh, India had lost quick wickets, and it was Pant who batted to give the side some stability. Though he had to walk back after scoring 39 runs, the effort he put in gave the side some strength. 

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