Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof has identified Rishabh Pant as one of the biggest threats India could pose in the upcoming two-match Test series. Maharoof believes the wicketkeeper-batter’s ability to change the course of a game in a matter of minutes could make him a major concern for the hosts.

Pant has struggled for consistent runs recently, but Farveez Maharoof feels his unorthodox batting style makes him particularly difficult to contain. According to the former Sri Lankan cricketer, Pant only needs 30 to 45 minutes to turn a Test match in India’s favour. “If I were in the Sri Lankan dressing room, I would be very worried about Rishabh Pant. He is a player who, within half an hour or 45 minutes, can completely change the game,” Maharoof told PTI.

Pant did not have an ideal outing in India’s three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI in Colombo. He scored only two runs in the first innings before making 28 in the second, as India secured a six-wicket victory.

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Despite those modest scores, Maharoof remains confident that Pant can make a significant impact when the Test series begins. He expects Sri Lanka to rely heavily on spin, but believes Pant’s aggressive approach could counter that threat.

“We have seen him do it in the past. He has that X-factor and has been given the licence to play his natural game. He is going to face a lot of left-arm spin and off-spin,” Farveez Maharoof said.

Sri Lanka is expected to field multiple spin options, but Farveez Maharoof feels Pant’s unconventional strokeplay could make him difficult to contain. Pant has also endured a challenging period personally and professionally. He recently lost India’s Test vice-captaincy to KL Rahul and had a difficult IPL 2026 campaign. He subsequently moved from Lucknow Super Giants to Delhi Capitals on a reduced salary.

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His recent warm-up dismissals also highlighted his tendency to attack. Pant fell while attempting a big shot in the first innings and was dismissed again in the second after initially taking time to settle. Nevertheless, Maharoof believes Pant’s natural attacking instincts could ultimately become one of India’s biggest weapons in Sri Lanka.