The dashing wicket-keeper batsman, Rishabh Pant has managed only four scores more than 30 in his 18-match T20I streak so far, but the Delhi left-hander can take some support from the fact that Rohit Sharma, arguably the best white-ball player in International cricket, had only five such scores at the same stage of his career, and it was the Rohit Sharma whom Pant choose out to seek guidance after a practice session on Tuesday.
Pant has had worse times than few good times in the T20I’s for India, with his last nine games in T20I’s seeing him score less than five with the lone 65 in 6 attempts.
As the Indian cricket team gets prepared to face South Africa in the second T20I at the Mohali on Wednesday, the coaching staff and the team management would hope Pant patience and consistency in his batting and also replicate the IPL performances in international cricket.
With the team management trusting in Pant’s wicket-keeping abilities as well for this home season, newly appointed batting coach Vikram Rathour advised him to think of the reckless shots he played in the past before taking guard.
“I think he is an exceptional player. There is no doubt about that. But what he needs to do is to sort his game plan. He needs to be more disciplined and all the young players like him need to realize that there is a fine line between fearless cricket and careless cricket. What the team management is asking from them is to be fearless. About having a clear game plan and playing with intent. The focus should be batting to your strength and at the same time, one cannot be careless. I am sure they have started to understand that,” Vikram Rathour reckoned.
Talking of careless batting, the pant has been playing some reckless shots in recent times. Rathour reckons Pant needs to exploit his strokeplay to get the best out of his game.
“Of course we want Rishabh to play all his shots. He needs to be dynamic because that’s what makes him special. He is an impact player. At the same time, he cannot be careless. That’s all. He needs to understand the difference between that,” Rathour replied when asked about Rishab Pant.
Meanwhile, India will lock horns against South Africa in the 2nd T20I on September 18, Wednesday in Mohali.
