'Rishabh Pant Trump Card for India, Australia series will be Toughest': Sourav Ganguly

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Former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes Rishabh Pant will play a crucial part for India in the upcoming Test series against Australia.

Team India currently sit on top of the WTC points table, which they solidified after a fantastic series win over Bangladesh. Although India's next Test encounter is against New Zealand, Sourav believes the Australia tour will be the toughest one, along with the home series against England in 2025.

Kolkata and the entire state of Bengal are currently immersed in the festivities of Durga Puja. And on the auspicious day of Maha Saptami, Ganguly was found at the residence of former BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya, where he spoke with OneIndia and depicted his thoughts.

"Biggest challenge. That's the toughest challenge for India. Five Tests in Australia and then 5 in the England series. It's a massive challenge," Ganguly said.

The former India captain also spoke highly about Rishabh Pant and thinks the southpaw will play a crucial part for the Indian team. Pant came back to Test cricket after almost a 21-month hiatus and showcased his class against Bangladesh. The southpaw scored a century and amassed 161 runs in the series. And Sourav believes he will be the trump card for the Indian team.

"He [Rishabh Pant] is an outstanding player in Tests. He will be India's trump card for the series," Ganguly added.

For the immediate assignment of the Indian team, they will be hosting New Zealand at home. The Black Caps are set to lose Kane Williamson for the first Test, but Ganguly believes irrespective of that, the Kiwis won't pose a threat to the Indian team.