'Temporary Captain' Tim Paine Remembers Banter With 'Babysitter' Rishabh Pant, Hopes to See Him Play 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Former Australia captain Tim Paine expressed his delight at seeing Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant back in action after a long hiatus due to injury.

As Pant marked his return to the cricket field Paine extended his best wishes for the Indian wicket-keeper-batter’s potential participation in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Paine and Pant were involved in a banter-filled ‘conversation’ during the last edition in 2018-19. The Australian had inquired Pant about if he would babysit as the Indian star in later remarked that Paine is a ‘temporary captain‘.

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Speaking on ESPN’s Around the Wicket, Paine reminisced about the spirited banter he and Pant had shared on the field in the past, emphasizing that it was all in good humor. He fondly recalled their exchanges and admitted to enjoying Pant’s playing style, which he likened to his own aspirations as a cricketer.

“It certainly did. A lot has been said about the ordeal he went through and how close he was to losing a leg. Just to see him walk back onto the field, as a cricket fan and as a fan of Rishabh. I know we had our banter back and forth, it was really cheeky and good fun,” said Paine.

“I have always had fun chatting with him off the field, and enjoyed watching him play,” he added.

Despite their on-field rivalry, Paine revealed his admiration for Pant’s contribution to the sport and expressed hope for his fitness ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour later in the year, scheduled from November 22 to January 7.

“He played cricket like I always wanted to. I didn’t have the courage to take the game on or even the skill. I certainly appreciate what he brings to the game, the joy he brings to the Indian cricket team fans. I can’t wait to keep watching him and hopefully, he is fit and well enough to make it to Australian shores for the summer,” said Paine.

(With inputs from Agencies)