Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes Rishabh Pant is a big player for India, and he should continue to bat in an aggressive manner. Manjrekar said Pant is a batter who England fear as he has the skills to turn the match on its head.

Pant is the second-highest run-getter in the ongoing series with 425 runs in three Test matches at an average of 70.83. The left-hander scored an impressive knock of 74 runs in the first innings at Lord’s before he was run out by England captain Ben Stokes.

Manjrekar said Pant should be given the license to play aggressively by the team’s think tank.

“Rishabh Pant will play in his way no matter what the situation is. He should get that license because he deserves it. The batting unit has to function well. Jaiswal must think a bit about how he got out. He should make use of his form. Pant, I feel, is a big player at No.5. He is a batter who England fear,” Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports. 

Meanwhile, Indian captain Shubman Gill returned with scores of 16 and 6 in the third Test and Manjrekar highlighted that India’s batting is not solely dependent on him. 

“Shubman Gill’s role is important. But India should also look that there was no contribution from Gill in the batting at Lord’s and despite that the batting line-up was challenging. That is a good takeaway that we are not completely dependent on Gill,” he said.

Manjrekar said Gill has the skills to carry his form in the remaining two Test matches and urged the captain to introspect on his altercation with England openers.

“I feel he has the ability to carry form. Maybe there will be some introspection in this gap. He should look at whether the altercation was necessary or should he just focus on captaincy. If he does that then his run-making machine will run again at Old Trafford,” he added.

The fourth Test match between England and India will be played at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 onwards.