Rohit Sharma on Rishabh Pant: If there was a silver lining for the Indians in an otherwise clinical eight-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the first Test at Bengaluru, it was in the impressive innings of 99 that Rishabh Pant produced in the second innings.
Pant has had to contend with a knee injury while keeping in the first innings but has otherwise demonstrated his determination and talent with the bat.
Managing Pant’s Workload
The management of India handled Pant’s workload with care as it nursed his injured wicket-keeper and mostly used Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps. ‘It is important to keep an eye on his fitness levels with the history of injuries he has had recently,’ said captain Rohit Sharma.
“Rishabh had been operated on serious surgery on his leg, and we are fully aware of the torture he has faced, Rohit said in the post-match presser. “We will be cautious given the severity of the patient and what he represents for the side.”
Pant Under Pressure: What Happened?
Despite all his body aches and inability to run, Pant remained consistent with his aggressive batting nature. He was brutal against New Zealand’s spinners and was giving no respect to the pace attack whatsoever. The highlight of the innings was a slog-sweep off Tim Southee that sailed out of the stadium.
Pant’s dismissal for 99 proved a turning point, especially when Sarfaraz Khan got out. However, this aggression has often gone haywire and helped India win matches, either at home or outside. Rohit said, “He wants to have freedom to play the game. That shows in the results”.
Pune Test Preview
With just three days to go for the second Test in Pune, Pant should recover just in time. Rohit also said that the neck sprain that kept Shubman Gill out of the Bengaluru Test seems to be on the mend and he may find a place in the team for the next one.
“It was unfortunate for Shubman to miss this game, but Sarfaraz seized the opportunity with a significant century. Shubman looks to be going in fine,” Rohit confirmed.
Before the second Test, the team is optimistic about Pant’s recovery and that of key players.
Also Read: WTC Points Table: India Retains Top Spot Despite Setback Against New Zealand In 1st Test
