Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer has advised Rishabh Pant to bring more discipline to his batting in Test cricket, suggesting he save his riskier shots for the IPL.
Pant’s Injury and Potential Role Change
Speculation is growing about Rishabh Pant’s role in the upcoming fourth Test against England. He injured his finger while keeping wickets during the dramatic third Test, forcing him off the field.
Dhruv Jurel stepped in to take the gloves for the remainder of the match. While Pant still played a crucial role with the bat in India’s first innings, his ability to keep wickets in the next match remains uncertain.
Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer believes Pant could play purely as a batsman if he doesn’t recover in time, but emphasizes the need for him to curb his adventurous shot selection.
Discipline Over Daring in Test Cricket
“Test cricket demands discipline,” Engineer stated, advising Pant to save his high-risk shots for the Indian Premier League. He stressed that players batting at number three or four in Tests are expected to play proper cricket, build innings, and secure big scores.
Engineer acknowledged Pant’s remarkable achievement of scoring centuries in both innings of a Test match. He also noted that Pant could be a valuable pure batsman, especially against England’s strong bowling lineup, which now includes Jofra Archer and Atkinson.
Pant’s Impressive Series Form
Despite concerns about his shot selection, Pant has been in excellent batting form in the current series. He has accumulated 425 runs at an average of 70.83, making him the second-highest run-scorer for India after captain Shubman Gill.
Engineer recalled joking with Pant about his unpredictable shot choices. Pant, according to Engineer, simply laughed and explained that he does whatever feels right in the moment. He added that Pant’s confidence and ability to often get away with these shots are notable.
The “Unpredictable” Talent
While praising Pant’s immense talent, Engineer highlighted the need for Pant to be more responsible at crucial junctures in a Test match. This includes moments like before lunch or at the end of a day’s play, where disciplined batting is paramount.
Engineer also acknowledged Pant’s unique ability to invent his own shots, something he noted wasn’t possible in his era before the advent of helmets. He concluded that Pant’s natural talent is undeniable, despite his unconventional approach.
- Rishabh Pant’s finger injury puts his wicket-keeping role in the next Test in doubt.
- Farokh Engineer advises Pant to show more discipline in Test cricket, reserving risky shots for the IPL.
- Engineer suggests Pant could play as a pure batsman due to his strong series performance (425 runs at 70.83 average).
- Pant is described as an “unpredictable” but “immensely talented” batsman.
The focus remains on Pant’s recovery and whether he can adapt his aggressive style to the demands of Test cricket, particularly if he plays solely as a specialist batter.
