KL Rahul Praises Rishabh Pant's Unique Batting Style After Record Partnership

In a recent match at Lord's, KL Rahul praised Rishabh Pant's aggressive batting style, expressing his desire to emulate it. The duo formed a formidable partnership, showcasing their contrasting styles. Rahul reflected on their friendship and shared insights into Pant's thoughtful approach to the game. Despite their success, the partnership ended dramatically, leading to Rahul's dismissal shortly after reaching his century. This article delves into their dynamic on the field and their shared passion for cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 13, 2025, 04:02 IST

KL Rahul's Admiration for Rishabh Pant

London [UK], July 13: KL Rahul, India's seasoned opener, has expressed his respect for vice-captain Rishabh Pant, revealing his aspiration to emulate the aggressive batting style of the dynamic southpaw. This admiration comes after their remarkable performance on Day 3 of the third Test against England at Lord's.

Rahul showcased his elegance and calm demeanor as he formed a significant 141-run partnership with Pant, who remained true to his explosive nature. Despite their differing styles, the pair collaborated effectively, captivating the English side and paving the way for India's strong position.

Rahul shared that while their playing styles differ greatly, he finds joy in batting alongside Pant. He expressed a desire to adopt Pant's mindset, hoping to replicate it in future matches. "Our shared passion for cricket and performing under pressure is what binds us. We've had numerous crucial partnerships over the years, and I genuinely enjoy batting with him. Watching him play inspires me to aspire to that level," Rahul stated during a press conference.

He further elaborated, "There are days when I sit and dream of executing shots like his and adopting that mindset. It's always been a dream of mine. We often discuss cricket, batting techniques, and strategies together."

Reflecting on their time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) during their rehabilitation in 2023, Rahul noted that Pant is a "deep thinker" of the game. He emphasized that Pant's seemingly spontaneous style is backed by a thoughtful approach. "During our time at the NCA in Bangalore, I realized how much thought goes into his batting. He may appear to play randomly, but there's a method to his madness," Rahul explained.

Rahul added, "Understanding his thought process has been enlightening for me. We share a strong friendship off the field, but our approaches to the game are quite different."

The impressive 141-run partnership came to an unfortunate end just before lunch. Pant, attempting a quick single, was caught short of the crease by England's captain Ben Stokes, who executed a brilliant throw to break the stumps, leaving Pant out on 74 runs from 112 balls.

Rahul, who scored his second century at Lord's, also faced an abrupt dismissal. He attempted to drive spinner Shoaib Bashir's delivery through the covers but ended up edging it to Harry Brook in the slips, departing the field after scoring 100 runs off 177 balls.

At the close of play, India matched England's total of 387 runs. Following a fiery exchange between Shubman Gill and Zak Crawley, England ended the day unscathed at 2 runs without loss.