- Mar 4, 2024
- Jun 14, 2023
Rishabh Pant has redefined India’s batting approach in SENA countries ever since he made his debut. The Southpaw has taken giant strides in his Test cricket only to be touted as the ‘Best wicketkeeper batsman’ hailing from the country in cricket’s longest format within 4 years of making his first appearance in the ‘whites’.
On Friday during Day 1 of the rescheduled fifth Test between India and England, Pant once again put on a majestic display of batting as he guided his team to ‘safe shores’ after they were hit by the English storm. India were reeling at 98 for 5 and it looked like another low score in SENA countries was staring at them straight in the face but Rishabh Pant had other plans as he scored 146 off just 111 balls.
Pant revealed his batting approach in the press conference at the end of Day 1. He emphasized the importance of moving around in the crease to disrupt the bowlers’ lengths to not let them settle.
“In a condition like England, if you know that the bowler is bowling at the same spot and troubling the batsman, I feel that it is very important to disturb him. What I try out there is not to play the same type of cricket, sometimes stepping out of the crease and sometimes going to my backfoot. I keep on using the crease well, I try to give a little effort from my side and things happen,” Pant spoke about attacking James Anderson in the press after the end of play on day one.
“As a player, I look to give my 100 percent. Yes, I might play some different shots at some time but I try to play my percentage so I feel if it is there for me to hit the ball or try a different shot I tend to hit it,” he added.
Pant added 222 runs for the 6th wicket with Ravindra Jadeja and took India to a good total. Jadeja is unbeaten on 83 and will be looking to bring up his hundred on Day 2. India will resume their innings on 337/8.