Former Indian batters Suresh Raina and Abhishek Sharma has picked Rishabh Pant as India’s X-factor for the two-match Test series against South Africa. Pant will return to International cricket after last playing in the Test series against England.

The left-hander was hit on his right toe by Chris Woakes in the fourth Test match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Meanwhile, Pant recently returned to action as he led India A in two unofficial Test matches against South Africa A.

The southpaw scored 196 runs in two matches at an average of 49 and a blistering strike rate of 94.69.

Suresh Raina said on Star Sports, “The biggest X factor for India will be Rishabh Pant because he has a different batting style. He will have an advantage as both the grounds are on the smaller side.”

Former Indian batting coach Abhishek Nayar concurred with Raina and picked Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill as the two standout players.

He said, “The standout player for me, always, when it comes to Test match cricket, there are two people, actually, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant.”

Shubman Gill has been in prolific red-ball form and recently scored 754 runs in five Test matches against England. Gill backed it up with 192 runs in two Test matches against the West Indies at home.

On the other hand, Raina picked Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav as the two standout players for the series against the Proteas.

“I think Jasprit Bumrah will be the standout player because the matches will start at 8:30 AM, and there will be a different type of swing. The other player will be Kuldeep Yadav.”

The opening Test match between India and South Africa will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, from November 14 onwards.