With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy fast approaching, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has stirred up discussions by naming Rishabh Pant as India’s premier Test batter after Virat Kohli. This bold statement comes as Team India gears up for the first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium. 

While rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal has impressed in red-ball cricket and captain Rohit Sharma continues to bring vast experience, Ganguly believes Pant is in a league of his own when it comes to Test cricket. However, he also emphasized the need for the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter to fine-tune his skills in the longest format. 

“Look at his innings in England, Australia, and South Africa—his ability is extraordinary. He is a once-in-a-generation talent in Test cricket,” Ganguly said, highlighting Pant’s crucial contributions in India’s overseas triumphs. "Pant stands out as India's finest red-ball batter after Kohli and has the potential to be a game-changer in the series." 

Pant’s heroics have indeed been pivotal in India’s historic victories Down Under. During the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pant was India’s second-highest run-scorer, amassing 350 runs. In the 2020-21 series, his 274 runs from five innings, including unforgettable knocks at Sydney and the Gabba, helped India clinch a famous series win. 

Ganguly also expressed optimism about Kohli rediscovering his best form during the series, despite recent struggles against New Zealand. Referring to Kohli as a “champion batter,” Ganguly reminisced about his stellar performances in Australia, including four centuries in 2014 and another in 2018. 

“This series is massive for Kohli,” Ganguly remarked. "He understands that this might be his final Test tour of Australia, where the pitches align far better with his playing style compared to those in New Zealand." 

As anticipation builds, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Pant and Kohli to deliver match-winning performances. With Ganguly’s vote of confidence behind them, fans are eagerly awaiting India’s bid to maintain their dominance on Australian soil.