Rishabh Pant's audacious and unconventional approach to batting has once again become the talk of the cricketing world, leaving former India coach Ravi Shastri utterly impressed. Pant's recent innings of 134 runs off 178 balls against England in the first Test at Headingley has been described as "outrageous" by Shastri, who marveled at the wicketkeeper-batter's unique style and his ability to shift gears seamlessly.
Shastri, speaking on Sky Sports, emphasized that Pant "plays the numbers game beautifully, plays the way he wants." He further added, "He has his own computer and only he knows how it works. That's his USP. That's what puts bowlers under pressure and makes him box office, a real entertainer and a match-winner." This "computer," as Shastri puts it, refers to Pant's innate ability to assess risks and opportunities, allowing him to alternate between defensive blocking and aggressive strokeplay seemingly at will.
Pant's innings was not just about the runs he scored, but also about the manner in which he scored them. He showcased his now-famous "falling paddle" shot and reached his century with a one-handed six over mid-wicket off spinner Shoaib Bashir, a testament to his innovative and fearless approach. Even his dismissal was eccentric, getting out in an awkward position while opting not to play a shot. Such unpredictability is a hallmark of Pant's batting, keeping bowlers and spectators alike constantly guessing.
This performance holds special significance considering Pant's long road to recovery from a severe car accident in late 2022. Shastri reflected on Pant's recovery, stating, "That's why there was that celebration. Thanking the man upstairs for giving him the opportunity." He recounted visiting Pant in the hospital, describing the scene as "not a pretty sight" with a knee in a mess, scars all over the face and bruises all over the body. Pant's resilience and determination to return to the top of his game have been truly inspiring.
Pant's "outrageous" approach isn't without its critics. There have been instances where his shot selection has been questioned, but as Aakash Chopra pointed out, "Everyone sees the game differently." Chopra also noted that Pant aims to disrupt the bowler and control the game by hitting sixes, a strategy that distinguishes him from other batsmen. Dinesh Karthik offered a balanced perspective, describing Pant's approach as potentially "sexy" if it comes off, and "silly" if it doesn't, while emphasizing that the Indian dressing room should be aware and accepting of his inherent style.
Despite occasional criticism, Pant's aggressive approach has often proven invaluable, especially when the team is in a difficult situation. Shastri noted that since Pant has come into the No. 5 slot, he has been extremely consistent, and his aggressive style can turn the game around, allowing others to capitalize on the momentum.
Pant's recent century was his seventh in Test cricket, surpassing MS Dhoni's record for most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. He also became the only visiting wicketkeeper to score three Test centuries on English soil. After reaching his century, Pant celebrated with a somersault, a gesture that went viral and was interpreted by many as a symbol of his joy and gratitude for being back on the field.
Rishabh Pant's batting is a unique blend of calculated risk-taking, unconventional strokeplay, and unwavering self-belief. His "outrageous" approach may not always conform to traditional cricketing norms, but it is undeniably effective and entertaining. As Ravi Shastri aptly put it, Pant has "his own computer," and only he knows how it works, making him a truly special player and a match-winner for India.
