Rishabh Pant breaks silence on playing 'defensive cricket' after Gautam Gambhir's bashing

Team India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant said that he adopted a more restrained approach during the first innings of the fifth and final Test match against Australia. Rishabh Pant said that the pitch conditions at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) did not allow him to play in his usual aggressive style.

Jasprit Bumrah opted to bat first after winning the toss in Sydney on Friday, January 3. Pant came to the crease when the team collapsed to 57/3. The left-handed batter adjusted his approach according to the conditions. He also took several body blows from the pacers before being dismissed for 40.

I Could Have Taken 50-50 Chances but Didn't - Rishabh Pant

Speaking at the press conference after Day 1's play, Rishabh Pant, who faced criticism for his performance in Melbourne, said that the pitch conditions at the SCG didn't allow him to play aggressively. He added that there were moments where he could have taken risks but chose to play securely instead.

"I think in this inning, I wasn’t in a frame of mind where I wanted to take charge of the game because the wicket was doing too much and the situation we were in. While playing, I felt like I could play a bit of defensive cricket," Pant said.

"Yes, there’s a time to attack, but you have to feel that from within. I can’t just premeditate how I’m going to play. Whatever the game demands on that day, that’s what I try to do."

"That was my mindset. I think it’s not very difficult, though the initial part can be challenging when you see a ball you can hit. But sometimes, you have to play more sensible cricket. There might have been 50-50 chances I could have taken early on in this inning."

Trying to Keep a Balance Between Attack and Defence - Rishabh Pant

The 27-year-old acknowledged that he is working on finding the right balance between attack and defense. Pant also admitted that batters often overthink when they are not performing well.

"I think mostly you want to back the way you've played the game, but eventually, you've got to keep evolving. I feel there isn’t just one way to play cricket. Whatever comes naturally is always better, but you’ve got to find that balance between playing aggressive cricket and being selective with your shots.

That’s what I’m trying to do - make the most of my style while keeping it simple. Not overthinking is key because when you’re not having the best of tours, overthinking can take over. I just try to keep things straightforward and give my 200% on the field."

I Am Not Sure What a Good Score on This Track Is - Beau Webster

Australian debutant all-rounder Beau Webster agreed with Rishabh Pant's assessment of the pitch. Webster highlighted that the Indian batters focused on making the Australian bowlers work hard by bowling extended spells.

"They (India batters) decided to knuckle down and made us bowl lot of overs. I am not sure what a good score on this track but we would have batted first had he won the toss," said Webster.

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