“Started to see how important Rishabh Pant is…”: Australia Great’s big statement on India star’s absence

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell believes that Team India is missing star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Pant was involved in a horrific car accident in December last year and had to undergo surgery for the injuries sustained in the accident. The 24-year-old is expected to be out of action for a long time due to the same. Analyzing India’s defeat against Australia in the third Test in Indore, Chappell suggested that the Rohit Sharma-led side is underestimating the importance of Pant.

“One big difference is there is no Rishabh Pant in this Indian side. They have started to see how important Rishabh Pant is to the Indian side,” Chappell told ESPNcricinfo.

While India lead the four-match series 2-1, the batsmen are looking at ease against the Australian spinners.

Apart from captain Rohit, no other batsman has been able to score a century.

India’s top-order failed to perform in the third Test as Australia made a strong comeback in the series, beating the hosts by 9 wickets to reduce the four-Test series deficit to 1–2.

Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne kept their composure on a viciously turning Indore pitch to see Australia cross the finishing line with ease.

After thrashing Australia in the first two Tests inside three days, the series is now level at 2-1 with one match to spare.

With this victory, Australia confirmed their place in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC).

Last week’s win was Australia’s second Test win in India since 2004.

India now need a win to seal their place in the WTC final.

(with AFP inputs)

featured video of the day

Neeraj Kumar: CoA was not interested in tackling corruption