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Rishabh Pant realises Bangladesh threat, says ‘cannot afford to underestimate any team'

Gautam Sodhi
Authored By Gautam Sodhi
Published: Sep 05, 2024, 01:01 IST | Updated: Sep 05, 2024, 01:01 IST
Rishabh Pant realises Bangladesh threat, says ‘cannot afford to underestimate any team'

Pant realises Bangladesh threat, says ‘cannot afford to underestimate...'

Ace India keeper-batter Rishabh Pant acknowledges Bangladesh’s rise after their maiden series win over Pakistan, admitting India is not taking them lightly. As India and Bangladesh face off in two Tests starting September 19 in Chennai, Pant downplays discounting Bangladesh, saying because the pressure is so much more in international cricket, no one can afford to underestimate any opposition.

The stylish left-handed batter returned to international cricket afterspending more than a year on the sidelines due to multiple yet severe injuries suffered during a road accident on December 30, 2022. Although he missed all the cricket action last year, Pant gears up for the upcoming hectic schedule, where India plays ten Tests in the next five months, including two against Bangladesh and three versus New Zealand at home before flying Down Under for a five-match series against Australia.

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Selected to play in the first round of the Duleep Trophy, which began on Thursday (September 5), Pant reflected on the importance of playing domestic cricket and how India is preparing for the first series of the home season.

“Asian teams like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka excel in their home conditions because they are familiar with the wickets,” Pant said during a chat with Jio Cinema.

“As the Indian team, we focus on maintaining our own standards and looking at how we can improve. We play with the same intensity regardless of the opposition and aim to give 100 per cent every day.

"There's always pressure because, in international cricket, you can't afford to underestimate any series. The margins between winning and losing are very fine, and nowadays, the gap between international teams is quite narrow," Pant continued.

‘Playing domestic is crucial’

Playing his first red-ball game since December 2022, Pant got out cheaply on seven, playing for India B against India A in Bengaluru.

It took a stunning catch from India A captain Shubman Gill to dismiss him.

Meanwhile, Pant acknowledged how beneficial it is for everyone to play and score runs in the domestic matchesahead of a packed season.

"Playing domestic cricket is crucial because match practice is essential for any cricketer," Pant said. "It's also an opportunity for younger players to learn from us. Seeing international players return to domestic cricket sets an example. There's so much we can give back to domestic cricket."

(With inputs from agencies)

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