Indian cricket team’s young wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant is still yet to shift the momentum from promise to execution.
He might have all the trades, aggression and ability to shine as a limited-overs player, but so far the results haven’t been notable for the versatile southpaw.
Pant failed in the recently concluded ODI series against West Indies after scoring 20 and 0.
His low average of 22.95 is a worry, given the number of chances he has been getting in the Indian team since a while now.
Earlier in the T20Is, barring an unbeaten 65 where he helped India win, the two other outings were shabby. His average in T20Is too is dismal.
One can claim that he is definitely the future of this Indian cricket team and there is a lot riding on him to deliver success, but it’s time he needs to just relax a little and put more weight and substance behind his approach.
Pant needs to find a voice and show that his presence is of sheer value and substance.
In Test cricket, Pant has had a strong start and is averaging well above the 40-mark. But it’s the limited-overs that has been the story he will want to re-write.
“Every match is crucial for me and it is not about the next six months. Every day of my life is crucial and I want to improve both as a cricketer and as a person. That’s what I am looking forward to,” Pant had said to the media recently during the series against West Indies.
Coming in and playing big shots from ball one is a worry.
Also what’s worrying is once he gets tied down by a number of dot balls, he tends to go for a release shot.
This has been a weak point. It was pretty much evident in the 2019 World Cup as well.
In the third ODI as well he played an aerial shot off the first ball he faced and was caught out for naught.
Where is the value for his wicket? Here we analyze how Pant can convert his outings into something more noteworthy.
Execution needs to be spot on
Pant highlighted recently that he is keen to play his natural game and trust his instincts.
Rather than getting stuck or playing something different, he needs to follow his gut.
Having said that, Pant needs to execute himself properly with shots that bring substance.
He needs to realize that the slog shot he plays on the leg side has proved to be his undoing on too many occasions.
Therefore, it is advisable that he needs to restrict that shot.
Given the manner in which he plays, it won’t be surprising if India shifts lower down the order in the next series and use him as a finisher.
That role could suit him more than a number four on any given day.
Pant should talk to the seniors
Pant needs to take guidance from stalwarts like MS Dhoni in order to groom himself.
He also needs to learn the trades of the game.
Also, talking continuously to skipper Virat Kohli can help his game in terms of laying a foundation.
When you have some of the biggest and experienced names in the dressing room, the best way is to gain maximum from them.
Pant should sit down and talk about his game.
He should perhaps gain valuable insights regarding how to go about things. This could be a strong factor for the youngster.
Put a price on his wicket
This is needed big time by Pant who cannot afford to get out easily.
He should set a target and put a price on his wicket.
Smart cricketing shots and making bowlers work hard for his wicket will be key. “I want to play normal, positive cricket that can help my team win matches,” Pant had claimed recently.
He knows how to go about the business in his head.
This needs to be brought on to the field. Positivity can take him to places.
Therefore, the more he spends time, the better he will get.
Pant needs to be patient
Pant looks highly impatient when he arrives. Rather than taking some time to settle in, he looks in a hurry.
This needs to stop. Also while settled, he cannot continue playing loose shots and throw his wicket away.
The idea is to continue and get the side home when set.
Like he did recently in the T20I against West Indies.
That’s the sort of innings we want to see Pant playing on a regular basis. It isn’t about the big scores and the desire of hundreds, but those little contributions for the team that matters.
He should back his aggression
Pant is all about aggression. This is his natural gameplay.
So he should stick to the basics here. He cannot overdo it which has been a tale of his journey so far.
You need him to play as per merit. The aggressive play should remain intact, but balancing the same is the need of the hour.
There is a fine line between aggression and aggression.
It’s the former that Pant should get it in his head. With time one feels that he can get those match-winning innings on a consistent basis and succeed in the shorter formats.
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