IND vs SA: Rishabh Pant's Innings Got Us Back Into The Match - Bowling Coach Paras Mhambrey

Indian bowling coach Paras Mhambrey lauded Rishabh Pant’s fourth Test ton after the end of the third day’s play in Cape Town. Courtesy of his ton, India scored 198 in their second innings. Marco Jansen took four wickets as Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi took three wickets each. South Africa chasing 211 to win are 101/2 at stumps. 

The Indian bowling coach, spoke to the reports after the third day’s play saying that Pant’s innings was the key behind India being in a position to potentially win this Test match. He came in to bat with India at 58/4 and in a spot of bother in the second innings. From there on, he scored an unbeaten ton, one which will be remembered in years to come.

It Was A Fabulous Innings: Paras Mhambrey On Rishabh Pant’s Century At Cape Town

“It was a fabulous innings, it got us back into the match. From a personal perspective, there was pressure on him, getting runs at a crucial stage for the team, that’s important. He has set the game nicely for us. Really happy with the way he played, he showed a lot of character out there because it is not an easy wicket to bat on,” Paras said Mhambrey during a virtual press conference.

Paras further said that India needed a partnership with Virat Kohli at the wicket and India four wickets down. As it turned out, the 94-run stand between Pant and Kohli was the reason behind India scoring 198 in the second innings. 

“At that stage, you wanted a partnership, Virat was there at the other end, there was a need for a partnership. We batted very well, we wanted to stitch a partnership, once Virat got out, Rishabh had to take the leading role. He batted really sensibly and he gave us an opportunity to win the Test from here,” Mhambrey said further. 

The Indians were able to pick Dean Elgar’s wicket to give themselves a much-needed boost heading into the fourth day. Surviving a close call earlier on in his innings, he was caught down the leg side in a tame dismissal on the score of 30.

The current Indian team can become the first Indian side to win a Test series in South Africa. The three-match series is currently tied on 1-1.

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