Melbourne. Indian cricket team’s X-factor wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant has not been able to do the feat that was expected so far on the Australia tour. Cricket great Sunil Gavaskar has advised Pant to “respect” the conditions before playing aggressive strokes in the next two Test matches of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Pant, who was among the heroes of India’s series win by playing a match-winning innings at Gabba on the last tour of Australia, could not do anything special this time. Pant has failed to impress with his batting on the current tour. This 27 year old player has so far scored 37, one, 21, 28 and nine in five innings of three Test matches. Known for his aggressive attitude, Pant has preferred to play aggressive shots on most occasions regardless of the match situation.
His bold decision to play an aggressive shot against fast bowler Scott Boland on the very first ball of his innings in the Pink Ball Test played in Adelaide in the ongoing five-match series had attracted a lot of attention. Gavaskar told ‘Star Sports’, “Rishabh Pant needs to do what is necessary for everyone.” Respect the initial half hour. After reaching the crease, whatever the situation, spend some time batting carefully. If the Indian team’s score is around 525 runs for three wickets, then he can bat in his own way.
Regarding the challenge posed by Australia’s bowlers for Pant, he said, “They bowl from an angle. Pat Cummins and even (Josh) Hazlewood trouble him with such balls. He will have some trouble with Scott Boland because Boland also bowls around that area.
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden, who calls himself a fan of Pant, however advised Pant to adopt his fearless approach and said that it could be a ‘game-changer’ for the team. He said, “I have always been his fan.” He is a different kind of player and there is no doubt about that. I would also like to see them doing something new with it. Like Rohit Sharma, I think we have not seen any counter-attacking efforts from Rishabh. They should play without fear in these circumstances. I think if Pant bats fearlessly then India will benefit from it.
Tags: India vs Australia, Rishabh Pant, Sunil Gavaskar
FIRST PUBLISHED: December 25, 2024, 11:17 IST