Rishabh Pant is set to make a significant return to India’s Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, marking his first appearance since a severe car accident in December 2022. The wicketkeeper-batter has been included in the 16-man squad for the first Test, which begins on September 19. His comeback is highly anticipated, and it has caught the attention of WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff.
Pant, who made his return during the last Indian Premier League (IPL), was an instrumental part of the Indian team’s T20 World Cup victory in Barbados this June. His inspiring recovery has drawn admiration from various quarters, including Bischoff, who has praised Pant as a “deadly combination” of “discipline and commitment.” Bischoff’s comments came in response to an X post celebrating Pant’s remarkable resilience and willpower, highlighting his journey back to top-level cricket.
Discipline and commitment. Deadly combination. Good luck @RishabhPant17 ! https://t.co/IW4GcYmCeu
— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) September 9, 2024
The post also stirred excitement about the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy while reminiscing about Pant’s exceptional performance in the 2021 Test series in Australia. Pant’s heroics during the series were particularly memorable, as he played a crucial role in India’s historic Test victory at the Gabba.
Chasing a daunting target of 328 runs, Pant’s unbeaten 89 in the final Test helped secure a three-wicket win, contributing to India’s 2-1 series triumph. This victory made India the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia.
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Bischoff’s praise has been well-received by Indian cricket fans, many of whom expressed surprise and delight at the WWE star’s interest in cricket. Fans took to social media to commend Bischoff for his knowledge and appreciation of Pant’s journey. One fan remarked, “WWE star praising Rishabh Pant—When you’re big, you’re big,” while another expressed excitement over Bischoff’s passion for cricket.
You follow cricket? Didn’t know that, at all. Nice one.
— Bim Bam (@liam_paul_stack) September 9, 2024
Loves to see ur passion about Cricket and especially about Rishabh Pant like how u kept a track of his return.
— Sunny (@SunnyThakur1062) September 10, 2024
WWE hall of fame knows how much hardwork needs to come back again 🫡
— Harsh shekhawat (@wordofshekhawat) September 10, 2024
WWE star praising Rishabh Pant , When you’re big , You’re big 😭🔥
— Dhruv (@I_m_dhruv_) September 10, 2024
As India prepares for five home Tests before heading to Australia for their next series in November, Pant’s return is set to be a highlight, with fans eagerly awaiting his performance in the upcoming matches.
