Shastri's Advice To Pant If India Want To Win: 'Just Needs To Be Himself...'
Ravi Shastri believes Rishabh Pant's natural batting style is crucial for India to chase 135 runs on day five of the third Test at Lord's.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that vice-captain Rishabh Pant's natural batting style is crucial for India to complete the chase of 135 runs on day five of the third Test at Lord's.
Pant scored a typically aggressive 74 in the first innings, despite injuring his left index finger while keeping. With India set to resume day five at 58/4 in 17.4 overs, Pant remains key for India to chase down the remaining 135 runs and win the Lord's Test, leading the series 2-1 in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Ahead of day five, Pant was seen chatting with skipper Shubman Gill and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on the dressing room balcony.
'If I was India coach, I would just let Pant go. I wouldn't even have a chat, it will confuse him. He just needs to be himself. If he tries to be someone else today, it's not going to help.
'His computer is working, he is experienced enough, and he has got hundreds all around – he averages close to 45. He knows what to do, he knows the importance of his innings," Shastri was quoted as saying on Sky Sports' broadcast.
Pant previously hit an unbeaten 89 in a remarkable chase of 328, helping India defeat Australia by three wickets at the Gabba in January 2021, securing a 2-1 victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
'I think it's on an even keel. If anything, India have their nose just ahead a little bit but that can all change in half an hour. I think Pant is the key as well as Rahul. Pant is the key because he can take the game out of your hands. If he gets out, then England can control the game. Pant can do what he wants and can shift the balance immediately," added Shastri.
What Is England's Plan To Win Lord's Test?
England pacer Brydon Carse, who trapped Shubman Gill and Karun Nair lbw in the final session of day four, aims to find swing in the first hour of day five.
'After the first three days, I think everything was slow going and a lot of toil out there. But that last hour and a half yesterday, to pick up those wickets and to go back into the changing room, there was a great feeling of confidence."
'Over the course of the series so far, there have been times I've felt in good rhythm. When I reflect back, those spells have been when I've got the ball swinging. That ball is still only 20 overs old. We've got a good hour of it being hard so hopefully we can get it to swing again."
(With inputs from IANS)
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