Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif believes Rishabh Pant deserves to be Rohit Sharma’s successor, especially in Test cricket. Pant has been India’s best Test batter in the recent past and has taken the red-ball format like duck to water despite making a comeback after almost two years.

The left-hander scored a fine knock of 64 runs in the second innings of the third Test against New Zealand before he was given out by third umpire Paul Reiffel in a controversial way.

Chasing 147 for the win, Pant came out to bat when India was struggling at 18-3 with Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli back in the pavilion.

India was soon reduced to 29-5 as Indian batters looked at sea. Pant, on the other hand, seemed as if he was batting on a different track as he batted with aplomb.

Pant added a crucial alliance of 42 runs with Ravindra Jadeja as he did the bulk of the scoring. Earlier, Pant also scored a fine knock of 60 runs in the first innings and added a crucial alliance with Shubman Gill. 

Meanwhile, Pant top-scored in the New Zealand series, scoring 261 runs at an average of 43.50 in three Test matches.

Kaif said on Instagram Live via India Today, “From the current team, only Rishabh Pant is the contention to be Test captain. He’s worthy of it, whenever he’s played, he’s put the Indian team in front. Whichever number he comes to play, he’s ready to play a match-winning knock.

“He’s scored in all types of conditions be it England, Australia or South Africa. Be it seaming to turning tracks, he’s a complete batter.”

Kaif added, “When Pant will be playing his last Test match, he will retire as a legend. He’s shown that already, his keeping has improved drastically. Till he was at the crease, New Zealand didn’t breathe easy.

“Hence, I believe from the current lot, if you’re looking for a future captain, Rishabh Pant deserves to be Rohit Sharma’s successor, especially in Test cricket.”

Pant has scored 2693 runs in 38 Test matches at an average of 44.15 and he is going to hold the key on Australia’s tour.