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What Rishabh Pant's batting approach should be in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka remains a part of the discussion among cricket experts after India's practice match in Colombo against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI. In the practice match, Rishabh Pant upheld a rare defensive approach, which looked unusual given the keeper-batter's natural aggressive brand of batting.
Ahead of the India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match in Galle, former Indian opener, now a seasoned coach, WV Raman prescribed that Pant should be allowed to execute his natural batting style, as he is among the match-winners of the team in the format. Over the years, because of his unorthodox batting approach, Pant is considered an X-factor of the team.
Why is Rishabh Pant important for Team India in Test?
Whether in home series or overseas matches, Pant never hesitated to open his arms. Despite scoring 3,500 runs at an excellent average of 43.37 in 50 Tests, had to sustain a lot of criticism for throwing his wicket away in crucial positions while trying to play overambitious shots.
Ultra-aggressive batting and poor shot selection are something Pant needs to work on if he wishes to play more long-standing knocks. In parallel, it is undeniable that Pant's own style of batting dragged Team India from tricky situations multiple times.
WV Raman asked the Gautam Gambhir-led team management to trust Rishabh Pant's basic batting instincts
While talking to the news agency IANS, WV Raman said that Pant needs to go and play his natural game against Sri Lanka, as it could be the best in favour of the Indian cricket team.
"He has got to go and play the way he knows to bat, and that’s when he will be at his best. I think if he personally looks at playing more like a Test batter, or somebody where he insists that he bats like a normal Test batter, then it will be a case of him getting into a bit of a tangle," the experienced coach said.
"Must be given a free license": WV Raman on Rishabh Pant
In the interview, Raman further mentioned that the Indian team management must provide Pant a free license to play in his own way. Mentioning how Pant helped India to win multiple matches in overseas conditions, WV Raman opines in support of the batter's aggressive brand of cricket.
"Rishabh Pant must be given a free license to play the way he plays. I think he is at his best when he plays his aggressive brand of cricket. He has won a few Test matches abroad from really dire situations. So, I think Rishabh Pant deserves to be given that license," he added.
The two-match Test series will start on August 15 in Galle, and the following and final match of the contest is scheduled to be in Colombo on August 23. Throughout the series, spinners are expected to get favorable conditions to turn the ball. Because of the possible spin-friendly surfaces, batters from both sides will be tested heavily.
