Cricket legend Ricky Ponting has made a bold suggestion for India’s batting order, urging them to send out an injured Rishabh Pant if another wicket falls in the ongoing Test match against England.
Ponting’s Strategic Advice
India found themselves in a tricky situation on Day 5 of the 4th Test in Manchester. They lost key batters Shubman Gill and KL Rahul before lunch, putting pressure on Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to hold the fort.
Despite Rishabh Pant carrying an injury, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting believes he should be the next man in. “I’d be sending him out next,” Ponting stated on Sky Sports, emphasizing Pant’s ability to handle the newer ball effectively.
Ponting acknowledged the risk of worsening Pant’s injury but suggested it might be worth it, especially if the injury is already set to sideline him for future games. He weighed the options, considering whether sending in someone like Shardul Thakur first might hinder run-scoring.
Pant’s Gritty Performance
Rishabh Pant has already shown immense resilience in this match. He fractured his toe on Day 1 while attempting a reverse sweep, forcing him to retire hurt from the field.
Remarkably, Pant returned to the crease later in the innings, batting almost on one foot to score a brave 54 runs off 75 balls. His determination to contribute, even when injured, was widely praised.
Initially advised six weeks of rest and not expected to be at the ground on Day 2, Pant surprised everyone by appearing in full gear in the dressing room and then hobbling out to bat when needed.
The Day 5 Drama Unfolds
The fifth day has been a test of nerves for India. Opener Shubman Gill continued his brilliant form, smashing his fourth century of the series before being dismissed by Jofra Archer just before lunch.
KL Rahul also played a doughty innings, scoring 90 runs before falling to Ben Stokes. Their impressive 188-run partnership for the third wicket had given India hope of saving the match.
As India resumed the day with a deficit, their primary goal is to secure a draw. Ponting’s advice highlights the critical decisions teams face under pressure, especially with key players carrying injuries.
- Ricky Ponting advocates for injured Rishabh Pant to bat next for India.
- Pant fractured his toe on Day 1 but previously scored a heroic 54 runs in the innings.
- India lost set batters Shubman Gill (100) and KL Rahul (90) on Day 5.
The coming hours will reveal if India opts for this aggressive strategy or sticks to a more conventional approach in their fight for a draw.
