AB de Villiers Backs Rishabh Pant Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series, Expects Star Keeper to Bounce Back

Rishabh Pant’s inclusion in the Indian squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka has been a topic of discussion. But former South African captain AB de Villiers believes the wicketkeeper-batsman can use this opportunity to rediscover his best form.

While de Villiers admitted that he was initially surprised to see Pant in the team as there were concerns about his recent fitness and confidence, the Proteas veteran backed the Indian star to make a strong comeback after stepping into the longer format.

AB de Villiers Expresses Faith in Rishabh Pant

Speaking after the announcement of India’s squad for the Sri Lanka Test series, AB de Villiers said that Pant’s selection was one of the biggest surprises. However, he also made it clear that left-handed batsmen have often performed best in Test cricket.

De Villiers admitted that Pant has gone through a challenging phase in recent months but believes that representing India in whites can revive his confidence. Pant has the match-winning ability that can turn a match around.

Fitness Remains the Biggest Question

Despite backing Pant, AB de Villiers admitted that the focus during the Sri Lanka series will be on his fitness. He noted that everyone will be closely watching how Pant moves behind the wicket and whether he can cope with the physical demands of Test cricket after recent setbacks. However, the former South Africa captain believes that India would not have picked him if the team management was not confident about Pant’s preparation.

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India’s Squad for Sri Lanka Tests

India have announced a 15-member squad led by Shubman Gill for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Subject to fitness clearance, Jasprit Bumrah has also been included, while KL Rahul will serve as vice-captain. Pant’s selection has become a major topic of discussion since the team announcement.

A Big Opportunity for Pant

Pant has built a reputation as one of the world’s most destructive Test batsmen with memorable performances in Australia, England and South Africa. As India embark on another crucial chapter in the ICC World Test Championship cycle, the Sri Lanka series presents an ideal opportunity for the wicketkeeper-batsman to silence the critics.

If he quickly regains his rhythm, Pant could once again become a game-changing presence that India can rely on in Tests both abroad and at home.

The upcoming series will test the depth of India’s squad and provide Rishabh Pant with the perfect platform to prove himself as one of the country’s biggest match-winners in red-ball cricket.

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