Rishabh Pant might take up to 2 years to return to Indian cricket team, says former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly

"We have seen him play under pressure for Delhi Capitals and win matches. As a left-hand batsman, he gives that option where the opposition captain can feel the heat once he gets going,” Laxman said on Star Sports show 'Game Plan'. Pant had cracked a breathtaking 101 off 118 balls to help India score 365 in the fourth Test, besides scoring a 97 at Sydney and an unbeaten 89 at Brisbane that led India to a historic series win against Australia in January.

India will be taking on England in a five-match T20 International series, starting on March 12. "But if there is one batsman in the Indian batting line-up who from the first ball can play those shots is (Hardik) Pandya. Pant with the kind of form and maturity; it's not only about the form but the maturity with which he's batted in test matches, I think he (Pant) will be a matchwinner," pointed out Laxman.

"He was told in no uncertain terms that he has got to respect the game a little more. He's got to lose a bit of weight and work hard on his keeping. We know the talent he has and he has responded. He has worked like hell for the last few months and the results are here to see," said coach Ravi Shastri on new superstar Rishabh Pant.

"At 21, I had similar success, so I can relate to what these guys have done. Yes, after IPL, Pant came with a lot of baggage. He has trained harder than anyone. The results are not just for him to see but for the whole world to see," Shastri said in a virtual press conference on March 7. "When you have a naturally brilliant match-winner of his ability playing to the potential there is no greater sight for cricket. I think in the last two months what he has done for India, no one would ever do that in a lifetime. His keeping was outstanding," he added.