ICC World Test Championship final: Rishabh Pant showcases his class with hundred in intra-squad match

The India cricket team is playing an intra-squad match as practice for the ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul are leading a side of 11. There have been some impressive performances from Mohammad Siraj and Shubman Gill. It is believed that Ishant Sharma looked the only bowler in rhythm. But, in the intra-squad match, there is no denying the fact that Rishabh Pant is the ultimate x-factor heading into the final on June 18.

In the intra-squad match, Pant slammed a hundred off apparently 75 balls. He hit boundaries and sixes at will off Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. If this knock confirms anything, then Rishabh Pant is the man to watch out for in the clash against New Zealand.

Rishabh Pant’s rich vein of form

If one looks at the resurgence of the Indian cricket team in the last couple of years, then Pant has been the centre of the resurgence. When he came to Australia, Pant had staged his own return back to form. After missing the first Test, Pant showed his class in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. It was his 97 that gave India a sniff of a chance in Sydney. When he fell, India was saved by Hanuma Vihari and R Ashwin for 42 overs.

Highlights from Day 2 of the intra-squad match simulation here in Southampton ?#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/Tm6RrQ4nnd

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 13, 2021

In Brisbane, it was Pant who held his nerve with an unbeaten 89. India chased down a total of 300 and Australia’s 32-year record in Brisbane ended in dramatic style. It must be remembered that Pant’s last innings in England was a 114 at The Oval. Pant is the only Indian keeper to have hit two centuries in overseas conditions, something that past keepers never achieved.

With the exhibition in Southampton, Pant has shown that he will be the key for the outcome in the ICC World Test Championshop final.

Pant to upset opponent’s plans

One can imagine why opponents will vary of Pant’s potential. The left-hander has the potential to take the game away from the opposition. His dazzling strokeplay and fearlessness can go either way. However, if it clicks, then India will be in the driver’s seat. If it fails, then the opponent will claw their way back in the game. If one has to look at the early trend of the English Test summer, then it looks like left-handers might hold the key.

Devon Conway, Tom Latham and Rory Burns have been dominating batting in the recent England vs New Zealand Test series. Conway became the second New Zealand player to hit a double century on Test debut. Latham has been solid at the other end while Burns was the only England batsmen to hit a century in the series.

New Zealand will be arriving for the World Test Championship final having won a Test series against England for the third straight time. The Kiwis ended their 22-year jinx in England with a series win, having won the second Test in Edgbaston. New Zealand has held the edge against England since 2016, with three consecutive series wins.

Rishabh Pant the key

If Pant can have the impact Conway, Burns or Latham has, then India have a massive edge. He is the only left-hander in the top order. The Delhi keeper can aggressively throw the opponent’s plans out of the window. If India are three or four down in quick time, then they still have the likes of Pant to change their fortunes ahead.

A couple of boundaries and some aggressive shots off New Zealand’s key bowlers might throw their plans in awry. But, Pany will have to be aware of the fact that New Zealand’s bowlers are consistent and have tremendous variety. Boult can swing the ball in and get the ball to zip off the deck. Tim Southee can swing the ball both ways and is accurate. Neil Wagner is crafty and can bounce out the opposition. Kyle Jamieson has height and can trouble any batsmen with his extra bounce. Looking at the way Matt Henry bowled in Edgbaston, it will be tough to overlook him for Southampton.

Henry was the bowler who blew away India in the 2019 ICC World Cup semi-final. His record in England has been superb. If Henry is considered, it will present New Zealand the same problem as India with regard to the problem of plenty. The real Test for Pant will be the variety that New Zealand have on offer.