Rishabh Pant, the dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batter, is under scrutiny ahead of the crucial five-Test series against England. Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has publicly expressed his reservations about Pant's approach during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series in Australia, raising questions about the young vice-captain's adaptability and temperament.
Ganguly's primary concern stems from Pant's perceived recklessness at the crease during the Australian tour. He felt that Pant played "too many shots" and was "just swinging at every ball," a strategy Ganguly believes is ill-suited to conditions where the ball is moving around. Pant managed 255 runs in nine innings, averaging 28.33, a far cry from the match-winning performances he is known for. Ganguly wants Pant to show more "fight" and "grind down" the opposition, emphasizing the need to value his wicket and not "give it away." He has advised Pant to "be ugly" if the situation demands, prioritizing defensive resilience over flamboyant strokeplay.
Despite the criticism, Pant boasts a decent Test record in England, having scored 556 runs in 9 matches, including two centuries and two fifties. This suggests that he has the potential to succeed in English conditions, provided he makes the necessary adjustments to his game.
So, how can Rishabh Pant improve his game in England?
Pant's success in England will hinge on his ability to temper his natural aggression with a more measured approach. By improving his defensive technique, shot selection, and situational awareness, he can become a more consistent and reliable performer in Test cricket. Whether heeding Ganguly's advice to "be ugly" translates into a more mature and effective Rishabh Pant remains to be seen, but it's clear that adjustments are needed for him to thrive in the challenging English conditions.