ENG vs IND: It Seemed Like Rishabh Pant Had Premeditated His Shot In 2nd ODI - Pragyan Ojha

Former Indian player Pragyan Ojha said Rishabh Pant should be supported given his ability to play match-winning innings.

On Thursday, England bounced back after being hammered at The Oval to win the second ODI against India by 100 runs to square the series 1-1.

Rishabh Pant out for a duck against England in 2nd ODI

Pant got out for a nought, chipping a low full toss off Brydon Carse to mid-on, where substitute fielder Phil Salt completed the catch. India were eventually bowled out for 146 in 38.5 overs with Reece Topley finishing with 6 for 24, his career-best figures in One-Day cricket.

Rishabh Pant should be given some cushion: Pragyan Ojha

Ojha noted how Pant hit a scintillating century – 146 in 111 balls – in the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston. The former Indian player feels Pant had premeditated the shot but didn’t go well for him.

“When Rishabh Pant scores runs, the unorthodox shots that he plays look very delightful to watch. However, he also does get out while trying to do something like that on occasions. That is his style. He should be given some cushion because he has proved that he can single-handedly win matches for his side,” Ojha said on Cricbuzz.

“The field in Test cricket is quite attacking and there are a lot of fielders at catching positions. Rishahb Pant backs his skills and counters the field by playing attacking shots in red-ball cricket. But the field placements and tactics are very different in ODIs and a batter has to change his approach accordingly.

“It seemed like he had premeditated his shot in this game. He had to check his shot as it was a full-toss delivery and got out while trying to do that,” he added.

All-rounders Ravindra Jadeja (29) and Hardik Pandya (29) didn’t manage to play a big innings as India didn’t managed any big partnership in their defeat.

Both England and India will play the series-decider match at Old Trafford in Manchester on July 17.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: “They Will Have To Change Their Mindset” – RP Singh Pinpoints India’s Weakness After 100-run Loss To England In 2nd ODI