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Xtra Time Web Desk: Australia captain Pat Cummins has expressed concern over the threat posed by India's wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant ahead of the highly anticipated five-match Test series, starting November 22. With India needing a 4-1 series win to secure direct qualification for the 2025 World Test Championship final, Pant is expected to play a pivotal role. Cummins recognized Pant’s aggressive style and his ability to quickly change the course of a game, noting that Australia will need to devise effective strategies to contain him during the crucial series.

“Yeah, he is someone who always moves the game on pretty quickly, so for some of the players, you have to have some sound plans, too. He's played well, he had a good series out here in Australia last time. So yeah, we know he can be dangerous when he gets going, so [we'll] try and have some good plans and hope they come off,” Cummins told HindustanTimes.

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Since his return to Test cricket, Rishabh Pant has been in outstanding form, amassing 422 runs from five matches at an average of 46.88 and a strike rate of 86.47. His impressive tally includes one century and three fifties. Pant was also the top run-scorer in India's recent series against New Zealand, with 261 runs from six innings.

The India wicketkeeper-batter has a remarkable record in Australia, averaging 62.40 with 624 runs from 12 innings, which includes one century and two scores over 80 (89* and 97). With his current form, Pant is expected to be a key player for India, particularly in his face-off against Australia’s star off-spinner, Nathan Lyon.

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Lyon has dismissed Pant five times in his career, but Pant boasts a strong average of 43.20 against the Australian spinner. This intriguing battle between Pant and Lyon will be one of the most exciting aspects of the upcoming series.