Former Indian seamer Venkatesh Prasad said Rishabh Pant is not technically sound but his fearlessness and overall effectiveness helps him in the red-ball version. Pant has his own batting method, with which he has found great success at the top level.
Pant scored a crucial knock of 63 runs off 89 balls and added a crucial alliance of 112 runs with Dhruv Jurel. The southpaw was hit on his wrist on the opening day of the Test match by Lahiru Kumara and was forced to retire hurt after scoring only three runs.
Prasad said on Sony Sports, “He is fearless and backs himself to play the way he does. There is no technique in it. Generally, most other batters tend to miss the shots he pulls off because he is completely out of line. The way he got out at Galle and here, trying to play over cover, he was too far away from the ball. So, technically, he is not sound. But who cares about technique now? He is effective and gets those runs.”
Former Indian wicket-keeper-batsman Saba Karim also praised Pant for his impressive batting.
He said, “He adds so much value when he bats in Tests despite claims that he is irresponsible. I hope the team management is giving him the right messages to continue to be like this. At times, even in difficult conditions, he is the only one who can stand up and play match-winning knocks.”
“He is a remarkable personality. He has the rare ability to read what the bowler thinks and react accordingly. These are intrinsic qualities of Pant, which make him a rare commodity. No other batter in international cricket can even get close to Rishabh Pant.”
On the other hand, former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar praised Pant for his agility and flexibility. Pant was once beaten in flight on the second day’s play but was quick to get back into the crease.
“When he ran down the track and saw that he was beaten, he could still drag himself in even before the ball had arrived. He is a very interestingly built cricketer, where he seems a little heavy-set but extremely supple and flexible, and almost elastic. That’s why he could do that. And when he took blows on his body, it was not an indication of weakness. He’s not flinching or wary of the short-ball. It’s that he sees the ball early, and that’s what makes him a genius,” said Manjrekar (via the aforementioned source).
India have posted 503-9 in the first innings, whereas Sri Lanka ended the third day’s play at 265-8.
