Ravi Shastri Praises Rishabh Pant's Daring Century in Leeds Test
Shastri's Insights on Pant's Performance
Leeds [UK], June 23: Former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has commended wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for his bold century in the second innings against England, emphasizing the "sharp cricket brain" that underpins Pant's batting style.
Both Pant and KL Rahul's centuries in the second innings positioned India strongly, with their lead exceeding 300 runs, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion on the final day in Leeds. While KL's innings was marked by calmness and technical precision, Pant's approach was characterized by an aggressive and entertaining style.
As reported by Sky Sports, Shastri noted that Pant's innings has provided India with significant considerations moving forward.
“There’s a lot to think about, but India will be pleased with Rahul's technical brilliance and the flair that Pant brings to the game,” he remarked.
Shastri pointed out that while some may view Pant's batting as unconventional, it is backed by a keen cricketing intellect. “He understands when to launch a counterattack,” he added.
He also mentioned that Pant could have accumulated more Test centuries had he converted his seven dismissals in the 90s into hundreds.
During the match, India reached 298/4 at Tea, with KL Rahul (120*) and Karun Nair (4*) still at the crease. Pant scored 118 runs in the second innings, marking his second century of the match, and formed a vital 195-run partnership with KL Rahul.
India commenced the second session at 153/3, with Pant (31*) and KL (72*) not out. The pair executed a remarkable counter-attack against the English bowlers, both reaching their centuries, with Pant eventually dismissed for 118 off 140 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes.
India concluded the first session at 153/3, with vice-captain Rishabh Pant (31*) and KL Rahul (72*) still batting.
Despite an early breakthrough by Carse, who dismissed Shubman for just eight runs, India managed to establish a solid foundation for an aggressive approach in the remaining match, although they did offer England some opportunities.
The final session of day three was interrupted by rain. Rahul was joined by skipper Shubman Gill, who was not out on 6*. India finished the day at 90/2.
England began the second session at 327/5, with Harry Brook (57*) and Jamie Smith (29*) not out. Brook continued his aggressive play, while Smith (40 off 52 balls, with five fours and a six), Chris Woakes (38 off 55 balls, with three fours and two sixes), and Brydon Carse (22 off 23 balls, with four boundaries) contributed valuable runs.
Brook narrowly missed a century, scoring 99 off 112 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes, before being caught by Shardul Thakur off Prasidh Krishna's bowling. A partnership of 55 runs between Woakes and Carse helped England surpass the 400-run mark, threatening to exceed India's first innings total before Jasprit Bumrah stepped up.
Bumrah (5/83) and Prasidh Krishna (3/128) were the standout bowlers as England was bowled out for 465.
England commenced the first session of the day at 209/3, with Ollie Pope (100*) and Brook (0*) not out. Prasidh struck early, dismissing Pope (106 off 137 balls, with 14 fours), while Brook formed a 51-run partnership with skipper Ben Stokes (20 off 52 balls) and a 73-run partnership with Smith, pushing England well past the 300-run mark by the end of the session. Contributions from Ollie Pope (106 off 137 balls, with 14 fours) and Ben Duckett (62 off 94 balls, with nine fours) on day two were also significant.
Brief Scores: England: 465 (Ollie Pope 106, Harry Brook 99, Jasprit Bumrah 5/83) vs India: 471 and 298/4: KL Rahul 120*, Rishabh Pant 118, Brydon Carse 2/62).