Image Source: AFP
[Saba Sports News] Rishabh Pant’s stellar past performances in Test cricket made his selection for India’s playing XI a no-brainer once he was fit.
Despite competition from Dhruv Jurel and KL Rahul, Pant’s display in India’s 280-run win over Bangladesh in Chennai reaffirmed his value. Pant scored 39 off 52 balls in the first innings when India needed a partnership and followed up with a blistering 109 off 128 balls in the second, marking his sixth Test century in just 34 matches.
Pant’s Test career has seen him rack up 2,419 runs at an average of 44.79, with a strike rate of 74.11, making him one of the most destructive batters when given time to settle.
Despite his success in Test cricket, Pant’s struggles in shorter formats are evident. While he has secured his place in the Test squad, his performance in T20Is and ODIs has been less convincing. In 76 T20Is, he averages 23.25 with a strike rate of 127.06, and in ODIs, he averages 33.50 with a strike rate of 106.21.
His limited-overs record contrasts sharply with his dominance in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has scored 3,248 runs at a strike rate of 148.93.
Pant’s disparity in Test and limited-overs cricket isn’t unique. Big hitters like Virender Sehwag, Chris Gayle, and even David Warner have seen similar patterns. Sehwag, for instance, averaged 49.34 in Tests compared to 35.03 in ODIs.
While Warner has maintained consistent averages across formats, the general trend shows big hitters often excel more in Test cricket. Players like Travis Head and Warner have remarked on the freedom Test cricket offers, where there’s less pressure to score quickly, allowing batters more control over their tempo and shot selection.
This may explain why Pant and others find greater success in the longer format.