IND vs ENG: “He Challenged Himself Mentally” - Pragyan Ojha Dissects Rishabh Pant’s Mature Hundred In 3rd ODI vs England

Rishabh Pant‘s stunning hundred against England in Manchester on July 17 was a display of maturity and attitude, according to former Indian left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha. Ojha claimed that Pant already has these skills, but that he needed to push himself psychologically in order to translate his Test form into success in white-ball matches. 

The 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter contributed to India’s victory against England at Old Trafford by scoring his first ODI century. At 72 for four, while chasing 260, India was having difficulties. However, Pant (125* off 113) and Hardik Pandya (71 off 55) combined for 133 runs to help India win the series in a dramatic fashion.

Rishabh Pant Has The Maturity And Temperament: Pragyan Ojha

Ojha praised Pant as he analysed India’s victory against England in the decisive ODI. He described the keeper-batter to Cricbuzz in the following manner: 

“He has the maturity and temperament. He has already displayed the qualities in Test cricket. Today (Sunday), he showed the same in one-day cricket. More than the physical struggle, he challenged himself mentally.  

“Everyone knew that he could win games single-handedly on his day. He proved that by crossing the mental barrier. He did what Jos Buttler couldn’t do for England.” 

In a stunning knock, Pant hit two sixes and 16 fours. He took on left-arm seamer David Willey after reaching 100 off 106 balls and pummelling him for five straight fours as India sped to victory. 

Rishabh Pant Adapted According To The Situation: RP Singh

Former Indian left-arm seamer RP Singh commended Pant for controlling his aggressive tendencies and playing the scenario rather than trying to force the issue. Singh commented on the keeper-error batter as follows: 

“Pant batted differently in the 3rd ODI. We always say that Pant has a certain style of batting. But he adapted according to the situation, which demanded that he must hold the innings together.” 

Singh elaborated: 

“He did not take any risks. It was a special innings in that sense. He did not go for any six out of the blue and built that partnership with Hardik Pandya. He understood the situation very well. Once the victory was assured, he finished things off with a flurry of boundaries.” 

India was down to 21 for 2 as Pant entered the game, with the openers having fallen cheaply. India lost Virat Kohli (17) and Suryakumar Yadav (16), and by the 17th over, they were down to 72 for 4. However, Pant and Pandya’s outstanding combination allowed them to knock England out of the game. 

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