'Ashish Nehra told me he’s special': Former India coach on rise of Rishabh Pant

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has praised Rishabh Pant for his fearless approach and natural talent behind the stumps. Bangar recalled how former fast bowler Ashish Nehra had predicted Pant’s rapid rise as a special player early in his career. Pant, often described as an entertainer in red-ball cricket, impressed everyone with his aggressive strokeplay during the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. In just four matches and seven innings, the 27-year-old amassed 479 runs at an average of 68.42, including two centuries and three fifties. Speaking to Doordarshan Sports, Bangar highlighted Pant’s aggressive mindset even in practice. He said, "I had heard from Ashish Nehra that Rishabh is a very good player who is going to progress very quickly. He is a naturally gifted batter, but he is also very fearless. I saw the first signs of his fearlessness in the nets itself. He used to tell the bowlers to bowl quickly and attack his body. Very few people have had this mindset. He had just begun playing the IPL back then, so Nehra's assessment was correct. After a long time, we have found a wicketkeeper who can bat in the top five." Pant faced a scare in the series finale at The Oval when he was struck on the foot by a yorker from England pacer Chris Woakes. The impact forced him to retire hurt on 37 off 54 balls, and he was unable to walk off the field without a golf buggy. Defying the injury, Pant returned to the crease with a broken foot. The crowd erupted in applause as he continued to bat, adding crucial runs to India’s total. He raised his bat to acknowledge a well-earned fifty and with his signature flamboyance, helped India reach 358. Pant’s courage and skill have cemented him as one of India’s rare wicketkeeper-batters capable of dominating in the top order.