During the Test series against England, former India captain Sachin Tendulkar said something unusual about Rishabh Pant’s batting. India tied the recently finished five-match series 2-2.
Tendulkar said that there was never a dull moment while Pant was at the crease. He mentioned the sweep shot in particular. Pant frequently fell while playing the shot and appeared to have lost his equilibrium. However, Tendulkar believes it was purposeful.
“Specially the sweep shot, where he likes to get under the ball. People think that he falls while playing the shot, but that is intentional so that he can get under the ball. That is a plan. The secret is to get under the ball for that shot, so that falling is planned, not an off-balance fall. He plans to fall depending on the length the bowler bowls,” he said on his YouTube channel. (7:51)
The former Indian opener also hailed Pant’s batting performance in England. Tendulkar remarked that the left-hander had developed a tendency of playing powerful shots. He emphasized that Pant should exercise caution when saving a Test, but should otherwise be permitted to bat as he normally does.
“Someone like Rishabh should be left alone. I’m not saying that when you’re looking to save a match he doesn’t need a different approach; if there are 15 or 20 overs to survive, then obviously he should have a different approach. But if it’s the first, second, or third or even for that matter, the fourth innings, whichever situation, whatever time, he’ll work that out and use his experience.”
Sachin Tendulkar
Pant missed the fifth Test due to a fractured toe. He did, however, contribute significantly, scoring 479 runs at an average of 68.42, including two hundreds and three fifties.
“Probably one of the best I’ve seen him bat” – Sachin Tendulkar on India opener
Sachin Tendulkar especially congratulated the way KL Rahul who is the opener of India played the series. She was also a senior hitter who came in place of the big players such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
“KL Rahul, I thought he also batted wonderfully. You know, it’s possibly one of the best I’ve seen him bat. The way his defense was right close to the body, and the way he was leaving deliveries, I thought he was completely organized. He knew where his off stump was, and what balls to leave.”
Sachin Tendulkar
“I felt at times that he was able to frustrate the bowlers by not playing anything unnecessary, making them come to him, and when the balls were in his striking zone, he played magnificent shots.”
Sachin Tendulkar
Tendulkar also believed that Rahul challenged the England bowlers to adopt new techniques against him. He noted that the opener was calm, poised, and used precise technique.
Rahul stood second among the run scorers of India after Shubman Gill. The right handed batsman scored 532 runs at an average of 53.20 with two tons and as many half-centuries.
