India’s explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has always been a batsman who refuses to follow the rule book, and his fearless style continues to trouble even the most disciplined bowlers in Tests. Rishabh Pant’s ability to surprise opponents with unexpected shots makes it extremely difficult to plan against him and Australian fast bowler Scott Boland knows this better than anyone.
Unpredictable and fearless: Why Rishabh Pant is a nightmare for Scott Boland
Recently Scott Boland has given an important decision on the most challenging opponent of his Test career. Despite bowling to many modern greats, Boland described Rishabh Pant as the toughest batsman he has ever faced due to his unpredictable nature at the crease.
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This admission highlights the unique and disruptive effect Pant has on even the most disciplined bowlers in the world. Pant and Boland faced each other for the first time in Test cricket during India’s tour of Australia in 2024-25. The Australian fast bowler dismissed the left-handed batsman twice and played a key role in Australia regaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year.
Even though Boland played only three of the five Tests, his impact against India was outstanding. He finished as the third-highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets at an impressive average of 13.19, which shows how lethal he can be in home conditions.
‘Pants Problem’: Unpredictability Personified
During a recent rapid-fire interaction organized by Grassroots Cricket, Boland was asked by a young female cricketer about the toughest batsman she has ever bowled to, and she immediately named the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman. He said it is the constant uncertainty that makes Pant so difficult.
The Australian star explained that a ball that looks perfect at one moment may disappear into the stands the next, and the same ball may be calmly defended on the next delivery. He said this mix of aggression and control makes it difficult for bowlers to settle into a rhythm or stick to a clear plan against the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman.
Scott Boland said on Grassroots Cricket, “India’s Rishabh Pant. He is a player who is very unpredictable. So, I feel like sometimes he slogs you for six runs, and you bowl the same ball, and he stops it. So, it is very difficult to bowl to him.”
Also read: Rishabh Pant sent a strong message to selector Ajit Agarkar by scoring a brilliant half-century in Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Scott Boland described the most special wicket of his career
In the same rapid-fire interaction, Boland also revealed that dismissing Virat Kohli in the second innings of the Sydney Test is the most special wicket of his career so far. It was a moment that cemented his growing reputation as a big-match bowler in Tests.
Duel of honour: context of Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Well, the respect between Pant and Boland has been mutual. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year, Pant acknowledged Boland’s skill, accuracy and control, especially his ability to consistently hit the right areas in the longest format of the game.
Pant had said on the Australia tour, “I think he has been an amazing bowler. The way he bowls line and length, especially in Test cricket, it is quite difficult because he is used to playing in this position and you don’t feel like he is playing his first opening match. It feels like he has been there for a long time and has that kind of experience.”
