Scott Boland reveals why Rishabh Pant is the ‘hardest’ hitter he has ever faced in Test cricket
Explosive Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has always been a hitter who refuses to follow the rules, and that fearless style continues to trouble even the most disciplined Test bowlers. Rishabh Pant’s ability to surprise opponents with unexpected shots makes it extremely difficult to formulate a plan against him, and Australian fast bowler Scott Boland knows this better than anyone.
Unpredictable and fearless: why the Rishabh pants are a nightmare for Scott Boland
Recently, Scott Boland gave an important verdict on the toughest opponent of his Test career. Despite playing against several modern greats, Boland named Rishabh Pant as the toughest batter he ever faced due to his unpredictable nature at the crease.
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This admission highlights Pant’s unique and disruptive impact on even the world’s most disciplined bowlers. Pant and Boland faced each other for the first time in Test cricket during India’s tour of Australia in 2024-25. The Australian pacer dismissed the left-handed batter twice, playing a key role in Australia’s recapture of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year.
Even though Boland only featured in three of the five Tests, his impact was exceptional against India. He finished third with 21 wickets at an impressive average of 13.19, showing how lethal he can be at home.
The “pants problem”: unpredictability personified
During a recent rapid-fire interaction organized by Grassroot Cricket, a young female cricketer asked Boland about the toughest batter he has ever played against, and he was quick to name the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman. He said it is the constant uncertainty that makes Pant so difficult.
The Australian star explained that a delivery that looks perfect at one point can disappear into the stands the next day, and the same ball can then be calmly defended on the next delivery. He noted that 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 keeper-batsman.
Scott Boland said on Grassroot Cricket: “Rishabh Pant from India. He’s a very unpredictable person. So, I feel like sometimes he hits you for six, and you throw the same ball, and he blocks it. So, he’s very difficult to play against.”
Also Read: Rishabh Pant sends strong message to coach Ajit Agarkar with magnificent half-century in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Scott Boland names the most special wicket of his career
In the same quick interaction, Boland also revealed that Virat Kohli’s dismissal in the second innings of the Sydney Test remains 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.
A duel of respect: context of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Well, the respect between Pant and Boland is mutual. Earlier this year, during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pant recognized Boland’s skills, accuracy and control, particularly his ability to hit the right areas consistently in the longest format of the game.
Pant had said during the Australia tour: “I think he’s been an incredible bowler. The way he bowls line and length, especially in Test cricket, is quite difficult because he’s so used to bowling in these conditions, and it doesn’t feel like he’s playing his first matches. It feels like he’s been there for a long time, and that’s the kind of experience.”
