Cummins warns India's Pant of things to come

Australia, India are set to clash in upcoming five-match Test series.

SYDNEY:

Australia's Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins has issued a caution to Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The two teams are set to clash in a five-match Test series, and Cummins is keen to address Pant's aggressive batting style, which has significantly influenced past encounters between the sides.

During a recent conversation with Star Sports, Cummins was questioned about the evolving approach in Test cricket and specifically how players like Pant can impact a match. He acknowledged that every team features aggressive players and pointed to Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh as examples from the Australian lineup.

"Look I think every team has one or two of those players who can take the game on. We have got Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh as those guys. I think with those guys, you know that they are going to be aggressive. If you miss your area a little but, they are going to take the game on," Cummins said.

Discussing Pant's unique style, Cummins emphasized that while his aggressive shots, such as the reverse lap, are remarkable, the Australian team has become increasingly accustomed to these modern batting techniques.

"Someone like Rishabh (Pant), he might play a reverse lap, and it's an incredible shot. That's just part of who he is. I think we have become a bit more accustomed to it nowadays when some of those ridiculous shots are a bit more common," he said.

Cummins further underscored the importance of containing Pant, who has been instrumental in India's recent successes in Australia. "He is someone who has had a big influence on a couple of series. We're going to try and keep him quiet," he said.

Rishabh Pant has played a pivotal role in India's last two Test series victories in Australia. In the 2018-19 series, he amassed 350 runs in four Tests at an impressive average of 58.33, including a stunning 159 not out.

In the 2020-21 series, he continued to shine with 274 runs in three Tests, averaging 68.50, highlighted by his memorable unbeaten 89 at the Gabba, which propelled India to a historic victory.