We need to make 'Rish-ball'- Rohit Sharma’s message to Rishabh Pant to counter 'Bazball'

India keeper-batter Rishabh Pant recalled Rohit Sharma’s words for countering England’s Bazball approach. He said that the skipper always jokes that they need to make “Rish-ball” and start playing attacking cricket.

Much before England adopted the Bazball approach, it was India’s Rishabh Pant, who changed the dynamics of the Test cricket. The keeper-batter since making his debut for the team in the longest format of the game has had huge success and in such a short span of time has become the best Test keeper-batter for India.

The major reason behind Rishabh Pant’s success in Test cricket is his attacking approach. No matter what the situation is, the keeper-batter plays with the same approach and looks unfazed by the things happening around.

Rishabh Pant with his same approach has bailed India out of trouble many times and has guided them to many famous victories. Being the only India keeper to score centuries in England, Australia, and South Africa, he has been the main reason behind the team’s success in overseas conditions.

Rishabh Pant said that he enjoys the way England played Test cricket but he is used to playing like this from his earlier stage. He revealed that skipper Rohit Sharma tells him that whole teams need to play like him. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained:

“Enjoy the way England plays Test Cricket, I am just used to playing like this. Rohit Sharma bhai always jokes and says ‘That we need to make “Rish-Ball” and he said you know the art to play it but others to need learn that playing style”.

Ever since Rishabh Pant made his debut for the team in Tests, it’s fair to say that he has been the best batter for the team. He was the main man behind India’s two triumphs in Australia and a series draw in England.

I have learned so much from Mahi bhai – Rishabh Pant

After MS Dhoni retired from international cricket, it was Rishabh Pant who filled in the void left by the former skipper. The southpaw was criticized a lot earlier on but he slowly made that position his own. From being booed to getting the loudest cheers, his story has been remarkable.

Rishabh Pant admitted that he has learned a lot from MS Dhoni and he shares all the things with him. He talked about his relationship with the CSK skipper and said that he shares a special type of bond with him.

Rishabh Pant added that he always jokes with MS Dhoni, saying that the former skipper is a legend and because of that pressure is on him. He elaborated:

“I have learned so much from Mahi bhai, the only one with who I have discussed & talk everything freely. I discussed things with him that I wouldn’t discuss with anybody else – that is the kind of relationship with him”.

“I often used to Joke with MS Dhoni bhaiya, that I am saying bhaiya You are a Legend, now the pressure is on me. That is unfair Mahi bhaiya.”

Rishabh Pant has been out of the action for more than the last one year. He met with a tragic accident in December 2022 and since then has missed all the cricket. The keeper-batter is now expected to make his return in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.