For the first time since their historic series victory in 2020–21, India is now touring Australia. The visiting team took a 1-0 series lead after winning the first Test by 295 runs. Rahul Dravid, the former India coach, recalled Pant’s 2021 heroics ahead of the second Test, a pink-ball Test, in Adelaide, saying it was a great spectacle. He added that there were questions about who will succeed the great player after MS Dhoni retired, but he is pleased with Pant’s development.
In the 2021 fourth Test match against Australia at Gabba, the southpaw created havoc with an undefeated 89 to help India win a historic cricket match. It was one of the best Test knocks for India. Considering that several first-choice players were unavailable for selection because of injury or personal reasons, the visitors’ 2-1 series finale was all the more impressive.
“I thought Rishabh’s performance was amazing. It was really amazing to watch Rishabh there, chasing to reach 89 to win that Test match at the Gabba, with everything on the line and such a depleted side, to perform so well under such pressure. He has been a unique cricket player. He simply fits in with Test cricket like a glove. It’s simply amazing. It’s difficult to conceive that you thought someone might step in and take Dhoni’s place when he went. Dravid told Star Sports, “I’m not saying he’s replaced him, but his performances in Test cricket have been absolutely sensational.”
Rahul Dravid also talked about his 2003 Border-Gavaskar Trophy double century against Australia in Adelaide.
Regarding that innings being referred to as a fan favourite, the 51-year-old said that since India did not win the series at the time, he would not have cast his vote for his knock. He pointed out that he values the last two batches more because they had won Test series in Australia.
“To put it that way, I’m thankful for it, but I wouldn’t have voted for myself. I also probably have a lot of recency bias. India’s performance in Australia, especially in the last two series, where they have won series, is significant, in my opinion. Despite mine and India’s outstanding performances, we were unable to win that series. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to secure the necessary number of wickets on the last day in Sydney. That’s a great accomplishment, and it’s what the last two teams that travelled to Australia have done,” Dravid stated.
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