India’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has always been a batter who refuses to follow the rule book, and that fearless style continues to trouble even the most disciplined bowlers in Tests.
Rishabh Pant’s ability to surprise opponents with unexpected shots makes setting a plan against him extremely difficult, and Australian fast bowler Scott Boland knows this better than most.
Unpredictable and Fearless: Why Rishabh Pant Is a Nightmare for Scott Boland
Recently, Scott Boland has delivered a significant verdict on the most challenging opponent of his Test career. Despite bowling to several modern greats, Boland singled out Rishabh Pant, as the toughest batter he has ever faced because of his unpredictable nature at the crease.
This admission highlights the unique and disruptive impact Pant has, even on 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 reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year.
Even though Boland featured in only three of the five tests, his impact was outstanding against India. He finished as the third-highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets at an impressive average of 13.19, showing how lethal he can be in home conditions.
The ‘Pant Problem’: Unpredictability Personified
During a recent rapid-fire interaction organized by Grassroot Cricket, Boland was asked by a young female cricketer about the most difficult batter he has ever bowled to, and he was quick to name the Indian wicketkeeper-batter. He said that it is the constant uncertainty that makes Pant so difficult.
The Aussie star explained that a delivery that looks perfect one moment can disappear into the stands the next, and the very same ball can then be defended calmly on the following delivery. He noted that this mix of aggression and control makes it hard for bowlers to settle into a rhythm or stick to one clear plan against the Indian wicketkeeper-batter.
Scott Boland said on Grassroot Cricket: “Rishabh Pant from India. He’s someone who’s very unpredictable. So, I feel like sometimes he slogs you for six, and you bowl the same ball, and he blocks it. So, he is very hard to bowl to.”
Scott Boland names the most special wicket of his career
In the same rapid-fire interaction, Boland also revealed that dismissing Virat Kohli in the second innings of the Sydney Test remains the most special wicket of his career so far. It was a moment that strengthened his growing reputation as a big-match bowler in the Tests.
A Duel of Respect: Context from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Well, the respect between Pant and Boland has been mutual. Earlier this year during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pant acknowledged Boland’s skill, accuracy, and control, especially his ability to hit the right areas consistently in the longest format of the game.
Pant had stated on the Australia tour, “I think he’s been an amazing bowler. The way he bowls line and lengths, especially in Test cricket, is quite difficult because he’s so used to playing in the condition, and you don’t feel like he’s playing his first initial matches. It feels like he’s been there for a long period of time, and that’s the kind of experience.”