Sourav Ganguly, one of India’s most influential captains, left an indelible mark on Indian cricket during his time at the helm. Under his leadership, India achieved historic victories, including their remarkable win over Australia in the 2001 Kolkata Test and the 2002 NatWest Trophy triumph.

Known for his aggressive style and knack for nurturing young talent, Ganguly transformed Indian cricket into a formidable force both at home and abroad. Even after his retirement, Ganguly remains a respected voice in the cricketing world, with his insights continuing to influence discussions around the game.

Sourav Ganguly names a star as future all-time great

In a recent statement, Ganguly identified wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant as a future all-time great in Test cricket. The former India captain believes that Pant’s unique talent and fearless approach to the longest format of the game will see him become one of India’s best Test players.

“I consider Rishabh Pant one of India’s best Test batsmen. I’m not surprised that he’s back in the side, and he will continue to play for India in Tests,” Ganguly said as quoted by Times of India. He further emphasized that if Pant continues to perform at his current level, he is destined to be regarded among the all-time greats in Test cricket.

“He will be an all-time great in Tests if he keeps performing like this. For me, he needs to get better in the shorter formats. With the talent he has, I’m sure with time, he will become one of the best,” explained the former India skipper.

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Impact on Test cricket

Since making his debut, Pant has become a key figure in India’s Test squad, known for his aggressive batting and match-winning performances. His fearless approach in crucial situations, such as his heroics during India’s historic Test series win in Australia in 2021, has earned him praise from all corners. Despite suffering a near-fatal car accident in December 2022, Pant has made a strong comeback, contributing to India’s success in T20 and ODI formats earlier this year. Ganguly, however, noted that Pant’s brilliance in Test cricket is where his real legacy will lie, while also urging him to work on improving his consistency in shorter formats.

India gears up for the Test series against Bangladesh

As India gears up for their upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh, Pant is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s plans. The series, starting in Chennai on September 19, will mark Pant’s return to the Test fold since his accident. With his proven track record in the longest format, the southpaw will be a key player for India as they seek to continue their dominance at home.

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