As India gears up for their upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has cautioned the team against underestimating their opponents. Bangladesh is coming off a historic Test series victory against Pakistan, and Pant emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards and treating every series with the same intensity.
Pant, who is making his red-ball return after a 620-day hiatus due to a near-fatal car accident in December 2022, had a disappointing comeback in the ongoing Duleep Trophy, scoring just seven runs in his first outing. However, his focus remains on staying competitive and regaining his place in India’s Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, scheduled for November 2024.
Pant, speaking about the team’s preparation, stated, “As the Indian cricket team, we focus solely on our own standards and how we can improve. Regardless of the opposition, we strive to play with the same intensity and give our 100 percent every single day.”
“No Room for Complacency”
Pant reiterated that there is no room for complacency in modern international cricket, as the gap between teams has become narrower. “Pressure will always be there because in international cricket, you can’t take any series lightly. The margin between winning and losing is very small, and nowadays, the gap between international teams isn’t much either,” Pant remarked.
India is set to play 10 Test matches in the next five months, starting with the two-Test series against Bangladesh from September 19. This will be followed by a three-Test home series against New Zealand before India embarks on the crucial five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Bangladesh’s Confidence Boost
Bangladesh heads into the series with renewed confidence after their first-ever Test series win against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Their historic achievement will likely give them momentum as they face India, making Pant’s warning timely.
While Pant was part of India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad, where he accumulated 171 runs across eight innings at an average of 24.42, his red-ball form will be crucial for India’s plans as they head into a packed Test calendar.
The series against Bangladesh offers Pant an opportunity to cement his position in the Indian Test squad, especially with the high-profile Border-Gavaskar series just around the corner.
Looking Ahead
India’s focus will be on keeping their performance levels high as they prepare for a grueling few months of cricket. The Bangladesh series marks the beginning of a challenging period for the team, with captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid emphasizing the need for consistency across all formats.
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Pant’s comeback is highly anticipated, and he will be looking to put his injury woes behind him and contribute significantly to India’s success in the upcoming series.
India will need to bring their A-game to the table, especially with Bangladesh’s recent form. Pant’s words serve as a reminder that in international cricket, no opposition can be taken for granted.
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