Rishabh Pant's Wicketkeeping Critique: Healy Calls It a 'Work in Progress'
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Rishabh Pant's professional journey faced a significant interruption on December 30, 2022, when he suffered multiple injuries due to a car accident that involved his vehicle colliding with a crash barrier, overturning, and subsequently catching fire. Fortunately, he survived the incident and was promptly taken to a hospital, later being airlifted to Mumbai for necessary surgery and rehabilitation. His return to competitive cricket occurred during the IPL 2024, followed by his participation in the T20 World Cup, where India emerged victorious.
Currently, Pant is actively participating for India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Upon his return, he quickly reaffirmed his position as India's primary wicketkeeper, demonstrating his capabilities effectively while competing in Australia.
Ian Healy shares analysis on Rishabh Pant
Australian cricketing legend Ian Healy has expressed the view that Rishabh Pant remains a 'work in progress.' In an analysis of Pant's wicketkeeping technique, Healy remarked to the Indian Express, “Rishabh Pant is indeed a work in progress. However, I observed his morning drills, and I believe he is on a path to improvement. Occasionally, as evidenced by a dropped catch earlier in this series, he may make an initial misstep. Some wicketkeepers prefer to shift slightly to their left before making a move, but it is generally more effective to remain still. If stillness is not achievable, initiating the trigger movement slightly earlier can allow for a proper adjustment to the right side as the ball approaches. One of these two strategies must be adopted.”
In the current series, Pant's batting has not met expectations, accumulating only 96 runs across three matches (five innings). The series stands at 1-1, with the third match concluding in a draw due to rain. While Pant has made contributions behind the stumps, he has also missed several opportunities, including a dropped catch of Nathan McSweeney on Day 1 of the second Test, which appeared to be a straightforward chance. Throughout the three matches, he has successfully taken 19 catches.
The fourth Test is set to occur in Melbourne, commencing on December 26.
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