Cricket expert Sanjay Manjrekar believes that dynamic Indian batter Rishabh Pant should be given full freedom to play his aggressive brand of cricket, while also discussing Shubman Gill’s recent dip in form.
Rishabh Pant’s Unique Aggression
Rishabh Pant has a unique ability to single-handedly change the momentum of a Test match. His unconventional shots and unpredictable aggression make him a formidable opponent, often raising questions about whether he should temper his approach or continue playing naturally.
However, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar firmly supports Pant’s style. He believes Pant should be granted a “license” to play his way because he has earned it through his match-winning performances.
A Batter England Fears
Manjrekar emphasized that Pant’s aggressive approach is not a weakness but a strength. He noted that Pant’s presence at number five makes him a “big player” and instills fear in opposition teams, particularly England.
The batting unit’s overall performance is crucial, but Pant’s ability to dominate specific situations adds immense value. His consistency in scoring runs with this attacking mindset, even in challenging conditions, proves its effectiveness.
Shubman Gill’s Recent Struggles
While Pant’s aggression has been a hot topic, Manjrekar also touched upon Shubman Gill’s recent form. Gill, who scored two centuries earlier in the series, struggled to make significant contributions in the Lord’s Test.
Despite Gill’s quiet performance, Manjrekar observed a positive takeaway: India’s batting lineup still managed to put up a strong fight. This shows the team isn’t solely reliant on Gill for big scores, indicating depth in their batting resources.
Call for Introspection
Manjrekar suggested that Gill should use the long break between the Lord’s Test and the upcoming Old Trafford match for introspection. He believes Gill possesses the ability to carry his form consistently but needs to reassess certain aspects.
The expert advised Gill to consider if any external factors or altercations affected his focus. If he can concentrate solely on his batting, Manjrekar is confident that Gill’s “run-making machine” will fire up again in the next Test.
- Rishabh Pant deserves the freedom to play his naturally aggressive game due to his impact.
- Pant’s attacking style makes him a formidable opponent, especially against teams like England.
- India’s batting depth was evident even when Shubman Gill struggled at Lord’s.
- Shubman Gill should use the break to introspect and refocus on his batting.
Both Pant’s fiery aggression and Gill’s potential resurgence will be key factors for India as the series progresses.
