Indian team’s star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that if wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant establishes a balance between his attacking and defensive game, then he can score a century in every match. Ashwin praised Pant’s ability and his power to change the course of a match, but also said that some of his shots are risky, due to which he is not able to take advantage of his full potential.
Pant’s batting: example of Sydney Test
Pant displayed both sides of his game in the fifth match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Sydney.
- First innings: Scored 40 runs in 98 balls while performing brilliantly in defensive game.
- Second innings: Scored the second fastest half-century in Test cricket for India in just 33 balls.
However, Ashwin also reminded that India had to face defeat during the Melbourne Test due to a poor shot from Pant.
Ashwin’s analysis: Does Pant need to be replaced?
Speaking on Pant’s batting style on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said:
“We need to make Pant understand what he needs to do while batting solidly and playing with intent.”
He further said that Pant has scored many runs so far, but his full potential has not been realized yet.
Ashwin says:
- Pant has all kinds of shots – reverse sweep, slog sweep, and more.
- The problem is that many of his shots are very risky.
- If he can play defensively while facing 200 balls, he can score big scores continuously.
Pant’s defensive technique: his strongest point
Ashwin also praised Pant’s defensive technique.
He said:
“Pant rarely gets out while batting defensively. His defensive technique is the best in world cricket.”
Pant’s performance in the nets:
- Ashwin told that he has bowled a lot against Pant in the nets.
- Pant’s bat does not take the edge of the ball.
- He does not get out LBW.
Creating balance is the key to success
Ashwin said that Pant’s main issue is the lack of balance in his game.
“If he can strike a balance between attacking and defensive play, he can score a century in every match.”
Ashwin also said that Pant should focus on his different games in both the innings. His brilliant defensive batting in the first innings in the Sydney Test did not come into limelight, while his aggressive half-century in the second innings caught everyone’s attention.
Ashwin’s message for Pant
Ashwin has suggested to Pant that he should maintain confidence in his defensive technique.
“I have told Pant that his defensive technique is very strong and he can use it to score big scores.”
