In a candid pre-match press conference, Rishabh Pant revealed that keeping to Jasprit Bumrah is even more difficult than batting against him. As India prepare for the third Test against England at Lord’s, Pant discussed Bumrah’s precision, sharp pace, and late swing, which make him a nightmare not just for batsmen but for wicketkeepers too.
Rishabh Pant Says Keeping to Jasprit Bumrah Harder Than Batting Against Him
As Team India prepares for the third Test match against England at Lord’s, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has made a striking comment that has caught the attention of cricket fans everywhere. According to Pant, the challenge of keeping wickets to Jasprit Bumrah surpasses even the difficulty of facing him as a batsman.
Bumrah, who was rested during India’s dominant 336-run win in the second Test at Edgbaston, is expected to return to the playing XI at Lord’s. With 210 wickets in just 46 Test matches at an average of under 20, Bumrah has already established himself among the great fast bowlers in modern cricket. However, what stands out is not just his pace but his awkward and unique bowling action, which generates late movement – a quality that becomes particularly dangerous in English conditions.
“I think everything makes Bumrah special how accurate he is, the way his mind works. It’s just amazing,” Pant said during the press interaction on Wednesday. Rishabh Pant Says Keeping to Jasprit Bumrah Harder Than Batting Against Him, especially in England.”
One major reason Pant pointed out was the eight-foot slope across the Lord’s pitch, which adds to the unpredictability of Bumrah’s deliveries. Even after the ball passes the bat, its sharp and late movement makes life extremely tough for the wicketkeeper.
India’s playing XI for the Lord’s Test hasn’t been confirmed yet, but captain Shubman Gill has hinted that Bumrah will return to the squad. Pacer Prasidh Krishna is expected to make way for the speedster.
At Edgbaston, it was Mohammed Siraj and debutant Akash Deep who led the pace attack, backed by spin-bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Pant suggested that the final bowling combination would depend on the condition of the pitch. “Discussions are still going on. The wicket can change overnight – the colour, the moisture. We’ll decide based on how it plays tomorrow,” he said.
On the other side, England has brought back pace ace Jofra Archer, hoping to stop the high-flying Indian batting lineup that already boasts seven individual centuries in just two matches. Shubman Gill, who scored 269 and 161 at Edgbaston, has led India’s batting brilliance, guiding the team to their biggest overseas win in terms of runs.
Rishabh Pant too has played a vital role in India’s campaign. In the second Test, his second-innings 65 helped India consolidate their dominance. In the series opener at Headingley, he etched his name in the record books by becoming only the second wicketkeeper in Test history to score centuries in both innings during a match.
Pant credited his performance to mental clarity and focus. “I try to have a clear mindset when I’m batting – just play one ball at a time. I also try to guess what the opposition wants me to do, but in the end, it’s about sticking to your own plans and playing your game,” he concluded.
READ MORE: ENG vs IND 2025: Shubman Gill Nears Historic Records, Set to Overtake Bradman, Gavaskar & Kohli
FAQ
Q1. What did Rishabh Pant say about Jasprit Bumrah?
A1. Pant said that keeping to Bumrah is more difficult than batting against him, especially due to his late swing and unpredictable movement in English conditions.
Q2. Will Jasprit Bumrah play in the Lord’s Test?
A2. While the final squad isn’t announced yet, captain Shubman Gill confirmed that Bumrah is expected to return to the playing XI.
Q3. Why is Bumrah’s bowling tough for wicketkeepers?
A3. His unusual action, sharp pace, and ability to move the ball late, especially at Lord’s with its slope, make it hard to judge the ball even after it passes the bat.
Q4. How has Pant performed in the Test series so far?
A4. Pant scored 65 in the second innings at Edgbaston and made history in the first Test by becoming the second wicketkeeper ever to score centuries in both innings.
