This Ravi Shastri advice helped Rishabh Pant tackle off-spinners
What's the story
Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, is set to make a triumphant return to Test cricket following a life-altering car accident in 2022. His comeback is marked by his selection for the upcoming first Test match against Bangladesh, starting on September 19. Interestingly, Pant's last Test appearance was also against Bangladesh in December 2022, just days before his unfortunate accident. Here are further details.
Successful comeback
Pant's impressive return to white-ball cricket
Pant has already made a remarkable return to white-ball cricket, playing a crucial role in India's 2024 T20 World Cup victory in Barbados. In his Test career so far, Pant has played 33 matches and delivered several memorable performances for India. These include an unbeaten 89 against Australia that led India to a historic win at Gabba, Brisbane, in 2021.
Coach's influence
Pant acknowledges Shastri's role in his cricketing journey
Pant has expressed gratitude toward former head coach Ravi Shastri for allowing him the freedom to express himself on the field. "It was an amazing relationship. I had a great understanding with Ravi Shastri as he gave me the freedom I wanted," Pant said on Tanmay Bhat's YouTube channel while reacting to memes related to cricket. He also revealed how Shastri's advice helped him improve his game against off-spinners, a challenge he had been facing earlier in his career.
Game-changing strategy
Shastri's advice on tackling off-spinners
Pant shared an instance when he was struggling against off-spinners and Shastri stepped in with a game-changing strategy. "There was a time when I was getting out to off-spinners while playing shots against them. Ravi bhai was thinking about what he should tell me, then he came to me and told me that we have to find a way to tackle off-spinner," Pant recalled.
Current form
Pant's recent performance in Duleep Trophy
In a recent display of his aggressive batting style, Pant scored a half-century in just 34 balls during the Duleep Trophy match between India A and India B. He moved from 43 to 49 with an overhead six off Kuldeep Yadav and reached his milestone with a single on the next ball. His standout performance included a quickfire 61 off 47 balls, featuring nine fours and two sixes.