The last time that the talented Rishabh Pant found himself playing either one day internationals or the T20 internationals for India was back in July-August 2024. Since then, he’s remained an integral part of the Test cricket set up of the country and been playing key vital roles for the country from both behind the stumps as well as also with the bat to stay relevant and consistent.

Having said that, it’s sort of become normal to expect Pant to play his typical, flamboyant and captivating knocks whilst donning India’s test whites. A recent example of this was seen rather avidly in the Test series held in Sri Lanka.

Even as the visiting India side weren’t really able to whitewash the hosts by a margin of 2-0, which was actually expected out of the Shubman Gill-led team to further cement their bid to make something meaningful out of the current World Test Championship cycle, one man played his part.

With knocks such as 66 and 39 at Galle, followed by the 63 one saw at Colombo, Pant was effective as well as consistent with the bat.

And true to the tradition of past cricketers always directing praise at the current members of the Indian team whenever they play good, it can be said that appreciation has flown from one left hander to another.

The cricketer who’s just recently directed much praise at Rishabh Pant in lieu of the left hander’s daring stroke play and effective contributions for the Indian team is none other than Suresh Raina.

Here’s how the man recognised as one of the greatest fielders and useful hitter of runs down the order exclaimed his regard for the young Bottle Rocket of Indian Cricket:

“He is my favourite player, he is scoring a lot in Tests, he has that X factor – he has worked hard, I am very happy, everyone does well but he is one of the best.”

Having said that, Rishabh Pant, who’s a veteran of 90 Test match innings, must, according to many observing the sport, protect his wicket and play a lot safely and valiantly. He must develop the habit of staying long at the wicket to score more. At times, a good start is abandoned by simply throwing up his wicket. Must he avoid that, is the general consensus.