‘Infectious character, a match-winner’ - Ricky Ponting warns Australia of Rishabh Pant’s threat in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Former legendary captain Ricky Ponting has warned Australia about Rishabh Pant's threat in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against India. Both teams currently occupy the top two spots in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table and the five-match series will play a crucial role in cementing their chances of playing in the finals.

Pant is one of the vital assets of Team India in the longer format of the game. Ponting reminded Pat Cummins and Co. about the southpaw’s match-winning ability and his “infectious character” behind the stumps that can deceive the opponents. 

"We've all seen him play and heard him in the stump mic, he's an infectious character to have around the group. He loves his cricket, he's a winner, that's what he is. He doesn't just play to make a few runs and be out there for the fun of it," Ponting said while talking on Sky Sports. 

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Ponting takes dig at Dhoni to highlight Pant's batting prowess

To back his statement, the five-time ICC trophy winner compared Pant’s century stats with that of former India captain and keeper-batter MS Dhoni. He noted that the Delhi star already has more centuries than Dhoni.

"He must have 4 or 5 Test hundreds already and he's got about nine 90s as well. [MS] Dhoni played for 120 Tests (90) and made 3 or 4 hundreds (6), this is how good this guy (Pant) is. He's a serious cricketer," added Ponting.

Pant was the wrecker-in-chief when a depleted Indian side beat Australia in Australia in 2021, including breaching their fortress Gabba. The 26-year-old is all set to make his much-awaited return to Test cricket when India hosts Bangladesh in a two-match series starting next week.

Pant was part of the India B team for the Duleep Trophy and ensured he got enough practice ahead of the intense action. Rohit Sharma and Co. will travel to Australia for the BGT series in November.

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