Xtra Time Web Desk: It’s not Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma. Neither is it Cheteshwar Pujara. BlackCaps bowling coach Shane Jurgensen has named Rishabh Pant as the biggest headache leading into the ICC World Test Championship final against India at Southampton, starting from June 18. The dashing wicketkeeper batsman has been having a dream run since the Australia tour. Not only has he improved his wicket keeping skills but he looks more matured as a batsman as it was evident in the test series in Australia and at home against England.
“Well, Rishabh Pant is an extremely dangerous player who can change the game on its head. We saw how well he did it against Australia and England. He’s extremely positive-minded, but with that comes potentially the opportunity to take his wicket,” Shane Jurgensen told The Telegraph.
What concerns the Kiwi bowlers the most is Pant’s free-flowing style that can increase the scoring rate suddenly, sending bowlers on the backfoot. Jurgensen emphasised good execution that could prevent the flamboyant Rishabh Pant from scoring big.
“Our bowlers need to execute well, stay calm and make it as difficult as possible for Pant to score runs. He’s certainly a free-flowing batsman and a tough one to stop, which we should keep in mind,” Shane Jurgensen said.
The BlackCaps will play two test matches against England starting at Lords from June 02.