Indian explosive wicketkeeper achieves career-best rankings in Test cricket.

 

In the latest ICC Test rankings announced on Thursday, the 23-year-old Indian wicketkeeper Risbah Pant achieved his career-best rankings.

It has been a remarkable rise for the explosive batsman. He made his Test debut for India in the 3^rd Test match against England at Trent Bridge on 18^th August 2018. Pant started his innings with a six. In the fifth and final Test match at Oval, Pant scored his maiden Test century and showed his impact with attacking strokes. Despite his knock, India lost the match and series 1-4.

The Indian Cricket Team went for a 4 match Test series against Australia in their own den. He did not contribute with the bat in the first match at Adelaide Oval but created a record for most dismissals leading India to a famous win. He created a big impact in the 1^st innings of the 4^th Test match at SCG making his career-best score of 159 helping Team India post a massive total.

He showed his attacking skills and kept on scoring runs against West Indies in the home series. Pant’s wicketkeeping was not up to the mark.

During the recently concluded historic Test series over Australia, Pant played a key role while batting. He did not feature in the day-night match at Adelaide Oval and India lost the match. In the 2^nd match at MCG, Pant played attacking cricket and put Australian bowlers under immense pressure. Thanks to Rahane’s brilliance, India fought back to win the 2^nd Test match by 8 wickets to level the series at 1-1.

After being hit in the first innings of the 3^rd Test at SCG, the things looked not so bright for Team India. Chasing down 407 runs, Pant came to the crease after the early loss of Rahane’s wicket on the final day. He put the Australian bowlers under pressure, especially Lyon. It was an amazing knock by the youngster who played with an aggressive attitude scoring quickfire 97 off 118 balls. He along with Pujara added 148 runs for the 4^th wicket. Vihari and Ashwin showed great grit to play out a remarkable draw.

Chasing 328 runs to win on the final day of the 4^th Test match at Gabba, Brisbane, Pant played out of his skins and remained not out on 89 to lead India one of the best Test wins on overseas tours.

He continued his remarkable form in the home Test series against England. Pant scored a quickfire 91 in the first innings at Chennai, followed by important innings in the first innings of the 2^nd Test at Chennai.

With India struggling in the 1^st innings of the 4^th Test, Pant showed great character by taking singles and then took the attack to England bowlers. He scored his 3^rd Test century making 101 in quick time.

Due to his consistent performances, Pant moved up to joint sixth place along with Rohit Sharma and Nicholls. He would be looking to continue his superb performances in the ICC Test Championships finals against New Zealand and then the England tour.  

 

Pant achieved career-best rankings of number 6 in Test matches