IND vs ENG 1st Test: 'If he's going to take the sword...' R Ashwin's take on Rishabh Pant's bold batting

Time of India

3 hours ago

Rishabh Pant (Getty Images)
Former India spinner R Ashwin has shared his thoughts on
Rishabh Pant
's bold batting approach during the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, noting that while it's entertaining for viewers, it likely causes anxiety in the Indian dressing room.
Pant's aggressive century in the second innings has strengthened India's position, setting England a target of 371 runs.
Pant's innings began on Day 4 following Shubman Gill's dismissal, with the wicketkeeper-batter initially struggling against England's seamers. Despite early difficulties, including advancing down the track against Chris Woakes, Pant maintained his unconventional approach.
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The left-hander attempted several risky shots against Brydon Carse, including a wild slog sweep that fortunately for India carried to the boundary due to wind conditions. He also attempted a scoop shot that resulted in an unsuccessful LBW review by England.
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"His modus operandi has always been up for questioning. Against Brydon Carse he played a slog sweep which did not seem like percentage cricket, which Dinesh (Karthik) did mention.
Very questionable tactics, but that's the way he's been going about his business," Ashwin said in a video posted on his X account.
"If he's going to take the sword, might as well judge him by the performances and not by how he does it. As a fan, as someone watching the game away from close quarters of the dressing room, I am enjoying it. But it could be very nervy sitting in the dressing room if you are a coach, or if you are one of those players who wants to bowl in that fourth innings, it could be really, really tense," Ashwin added.
Pant overcame his initial struggles and played more convincingly in the second session, ultimately scoring 118 runs off 140 deliveries. His innings included 15 fours and three sixes, demonstrating his ability to balance aggression with effectiveness.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also provided insight into Pant's batting approach, emphasising the strategic thinking behind his aggressive style. "People say Pant's batting defies logic but there is an element of a sharp cricket brain behind it.
He knows when to counterattack," Shastri remarked.
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"It comes off on some occasions and on others it doesn't, but if he had converted some of those seven dismissals in the 90s he would have had a double-digit number of Test hundreds," Shastri added during his analysis after Stumps on Day 4.
The match situation at the end of Day 3 saw England at 21-0, beginning their pursuit of the 371-run target set by India. Pant's century has played a crucial role in establishing this challenging target for the hosts.
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