Rishabh Pant may determine the outcome of the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, according to former India player Aakash Chopra. He emphasized that in just one hour, the wicketkeeper-batter can alter the outcome of the match.
On Day 4 (Sunday, July 13), India was dismissed to 58/4 while chasing a 193-run mark at Stumps at Lord’s. Earlier in the day, England’s second innings ended with them being bowled out for 192.
In a video posted to his “Aakash Chopra” YouTube account, the former India opener believed that Pant had the power to determine the outcome of the Lord’s Test.
“Where is the match standing? India have lost four wickets, effectively three, but the fact is that only six are in your bank. Rishabh Pant didn’t come, a nightwatchman was sent, and he got out off the last ball of the day. KL Rahul, who is playing well, is at one end. Rishabh Pant is the guy who can make or break it. He could change the match in one hour.”
Aakash Chopra
Pant and KL Rahul’s partnership is crucial, Chopra said, adding that the former may be the game’s secret.
“The first session of the fifth day will decide it. KL Rahul has scored a century in the first innings. He is looking good. Since Rishabh Pant bats in a way that can turn the match quickly, I think this will be the partnership. Actually, a lot is dependent on Rishabh Pant.”
Aakash Chopra
According to Aakash Chopra, England leads the match 55-45 going into the last day. Jofra Archer, he noted, was unable to locate his length on Day 4, but if he is in rhythm on the fifth morning, he might prove to be a handful.
Aakash Chopra Slams Paul Reiffel for Controversial Call Against Shubman Gill
Aakash Chopra questioned the Lord’s Test umpiring in the same video, pointing out that Shubman Gill was promptly dismissed for being caught behind after missing the ball.
“Joe Root was hit right in front. So how was it missing the stumps? Of course, you see slightly exaggerated movement because of the slope. However, when it hit almost on the off-stump line, it shouldn’t deviate that much in the projection. After that, Shubman Gill got beaten, and you raised your finger immediately. The ball hit Karun Nair’s pads, and you raised your finger immediately.”
Aakash Chopra
The former Australian seamer Paul Reiffel has made controversial judgments against India on multiple occasions, the cricketer-turned-commentator pointed out when he specifically questioned the former player.
“Paul Reiffel used to be an Australian cricketer. He used to bowl very well, but I am not a fan of his. He looks ordinary to me, and in front of India and against India, he doesn’t cut it. He gave Shubman out immediately. The ball was so far away that the third umpire didn’t even use the UltraEdge. It repeatedly happens with Paul Reiffel.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra noted that because howlers can be overturned on review, teams in the modern era need the close calls, the ones the umpire calls, to go their way. The expert concluded by pointing out that the West Indian umpire used to rule against Sachin Tendulkar and the Indian squad, saying that Paul Reiffel makes him feel the same way as Steve Bucknor.
