Cummins Targets Pant as Key to Containing India in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Pat Cummins Highlights Rishabh Pant's Game-Changing Ability Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australian captain Pat Cummins has identified Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant as a key player to contain in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The five-match Test series, beginning on November 22 in Perth, promises to be a highly competitive affair between two in-form teams.

Pant has emerged as a crucial player for India, particularly known for his aggressive batting style. He has been particularly effective against Australia, scoring a match-winning 109 in the second innings of the Dhaka Test in December 2022, helping India secure a 280-run victory.

Cummins compared Pant's playing style to that of Australia's own Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, who are also known for their aggressive approach. "Every team has one or two players who can take the game on," Cummins said. "We have Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. With those guys, you know they're going to be aggressive. You miss your area a little bit and they can take the game on."

Cummins acknowledged Pant's skill in playing unconventional shots, such as the reverse lap, which has become a trademark of his batting. "Someone like Rishabh Pant might play a reverse lap, and it's an incredible shot," Cummins said. "That's just a part of who he is. We've become accustomed to it nowadays because some of those ridiculous shots are a bit more common."

The Australian captain also emphasized Pant's influence in previous series against Australia, saying, "He is someone who has had a big influence on a couple of series. Got to try to keep him quiet."

With both teams in good form and preparing diligently, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be an intense and captivating series. Pant's aggressive batting and game-changing ability will undoubtedly be a major factor in the outcome.

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