Rishabh Pant's Batting Necessarily Does Not Have To Be A Very Defensive Role, Asserts Virat Kohli

Team India captain Virat Kohli backed wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant to play his natural game of attacking the bowlers in Test cricket.

Over the last couple of years since MS Dhoni stopped playing international cricket, Pant has been a constant customer of receiving criticism be it about his batting technique or with his role the gloves behind the stumps, critics haven’t failed to blast at the youngster.

Virat Kohli says that Rishabh Pant’s game does not have to be a very defensive role

In the first Test against England in Nottingham, Pant seemed in good touch and got some quick runs as he scored 25 off 20 balls, hitting three fours and a six, that came off Ollie Robinson’s bowling.

However, Robinson later claimed his wicket as the southpaw went on to counter the bowler’s extra bounced delivery to clear the fence but ended up pouching a catch to Jonny Bairstow at the cover region.

Kohli said it is how Pant is used to playing and wherever there is a chance of winning the game he will go in the attacking mode.

“That is basically how he plays. He has the capability to carry on and play a long inning in that manner. It necessarily does not have to be a very defensive role, when there is the demand of the situation, he is intelligent enough to understand. If we are looking to save a game, you would not see him play those kind of shots. Wherever there is a 50-50 situation and he can change the game, he will take the chance,” Kohli said in a virtual press conference.

Virat Kohli expects Rishabh Pant to change the momentum of the game

Pant was the architect of India’s historic run-chase in Brisbane where they lift the trophy after beating the Australians 2-1 in the Test series.  Kohli said the team expects the wicketkeeper-batter to stand up on occasions and change the momentum of the match.

“That’s how he plays and that is who he is. We want him to be that way. From Rishabh, we expect that he plays the innings that changes the momentum of the game and take that balance towards us. He is going to play this way,” he added.

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