'He will Be An All-Time Great In Tests': Sourav Ganguly Lavishes Heavy Praise On Rishabh Pant

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is confident that Rishabh Pant is destined to become an all-time great in Test cricket. However, Ganguly also notes that Pant needs to elevate his performance in the shorter formats of the game.

Also Read | Harbhajan Singh Narrates How MS Dhoni Mentored CSK Star

Sourav Ganguly Heaps Praise On Rishabh Pant

Pant made his return to Test cricket on Sunday, marking his first appearance since a severe car accident in December 2022. He is anticipated to start the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai on September 19. Since his comeback earlier this year, Pant has performed admirably in T20s and ODIs.

"I consider Rishabh Pant one of India's best Test batsmen. I'm not surprised that he's back in the side, and he will continue to play for India in Tests," Ganguly said at a promotional event here.

"He will be an all-time great in Tests if he keeps performing like this. For me, he needs to get better in the shorter formats. With the talent he has, I'm sure with time, he will become one of the best." Indian selectors have opted to give Mohammed Shami more time to recover from an ankle surgery and have named uncapped left-arm pacer Yash Dayal and Akash Deep in the squad. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are the two frontline pacers.

"I know Mohammed Shami is missing because of injury, but he will be back very soon since India is going to Australia. It's still a very good attack," Ganguly said.

"In India, you will see a lot more spin. In Chennai, you will see a lot more bounce. Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar, and Kuldeep are the four best spinners in the world at the moment -- it won't be easy. When you play in India, spinners have a lot more say in the game. But India are a very good team."

"I am looking forward to their tour to Australia; that, for me, will be the real test for the squad. Then, when they tour England in July, these are the two most important tours, to be honest. I think the pace bowling department, with Bumrah and Siraj, and once Shami comes back, will be strong." He also hailed Bengal pacer Akash Deep and said he's one to watch out for.

"Akash Deep is an outstanding young fast bowler. He runs in, bowls quick, and will bowl for long periods. I've seen him play for Bengal, taking wickets.

"He will be as quick as Siraj and Shami, hitting high 140s. He is one to watch out for," he added.