England skipper Ben Stokes has lavished praise on Rishabh Pant, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, calling him one of the most thrilling and dangerous players in world cricket—even when playing against his own team.
Stokes’ High Praise
Speaking ahead of the Edgbaston Test on July 2, 2025, Stokes couldn’t hide his admiration:
“Even though he’s my opposition, I absolutely love watching Rishabh play cricket. I love the way he takes it on in all formats of the game,” he said, describing Pant as “a very dangerous player.”
He continued:
“He’s had his tough moments, but when you allow that kind of talent to express itself freely, that’s what can happen… credit to him for two hundreds in the game.”
Headingley Heroics
Pant’s performance in the recent Headingley Test was nothing short of spectacular—he scored centuries in both innings (134 & 118), becoming the most prolific Indian Test wicketkeeper-batsman in history. His aggressive style, launched by bold strokes even against Stokes’ own bowling, drew a hearty chuckle from the England captain during play.
Stokes on Pant’s Impact
Stokes praised Pant’s fearless approach:
“That type of talent… when you let that type of talent be free, that’s what can happen… We know we’re going to get our chances with the way Rishabh plays.”
He added that while high-risk shots could sometimes lead to dismissal, Pant’s game-changing potential can be devastating—on the rare occasions it succeeds.
Mutual Respect
There’s a clear sense of mutual respect between the two players. Stokes even commented that Pant’s style and temperament would suit England’s aggressive brand of cricket:
“He would fit very well in our team… I absolutely loved watching him”
Ben Stokes’ glowing endorsement of Rishabh Pant speaks volumes about the latter’s impact on the sport. His bold strokeplay isn’t just game-changing—it’s changing perceptions. Even in defeat, Pant is winning admirers across the cricketing world.
