Rishabh Pant is once again making headlines, not just for his explosive batting but also for his shrewd cricketing mind. During the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy's first Test at Leeds, Pant's strategic 'sledging' seemingly played a role in an error by the English wicketkeeper, adding another layer to his already captivating performance.
Pant reached his century in the match with a six off Shoaib Bashir, and former Indian Head Coach Ravi Shastri praised Pant's aggressive approach. Shastri noted that Pant plays on his own terms, blending a numbers-based game with what his mind dictates. Sachin Tendulkar also lauded Pant and Shubman Gill for their smart mind games during their 209-run stand. Tendulkar observed that Pant and Gill were speaking loudly in Hindi between deliveries during Bashir's spell. He said it wasn't just casual talk, but a tactical move to disrupt the bowler's rhythm.
The incident involving the England wicketkeeper occurred shortly after Pant's audacious six against Bashir. While details remain somewhat unclear, sources suggest Pant engaged in some verbal exchanges with the keeper, possibly designed to create a sense of unease. Whether it was a direct sledge or subtle psychological tactic, the result was the same: the keeper missed a crucial stumping opportunity shortly thereafter.
The missed chance proved costly for England as Pant went on to add valuable runs, further cementing India's dominance in the Test. This incident underscores Pant's growing influence on the game, extending beyond his batting prowess. He's demonstrating an ability to think several steps ahead, using his words and actions to gain a competitive edge.
Pant's aggressive yet calculated approach has drawn praise from cricket legends. Tendulkar analyzed Pant's unorthodox paddle sweep, explaining that it's intentional and clever, allowing him to get under the ball and scoop it over leg slip with control. Ravi Shastri has also lauded Pant, emphasizing that he is different from the rest and plays on his own terms. Shastri highlighted the blend of numbers and mind in Pant's batting style, making him a dangerous player in Test cricket.
Of course, Pant's aggressive style isn't without its critics. He faced scrutiny after a poor showing in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and a lackluster IPL season. However, former cricketer Deep Dasgupta defended Pant, emphasizing his consistent Test match value and saying that IPL form would have no bearing on what Pant does in England.
Beyond this particular incident, Pant's on-field presence is undeniably impactful. During the same match, Pant was seen giving advice to Shubman Gill. He also had a friendly exchange with Ben Stokes. These interactions reflect Pant's engagement in the game, using his words to both encourage teammates and subtly unsettle opponents.
Pant's journey has been one of constant evolution. From his early days as a purely attacking batsman, he's now adding layers of strategy and mental fortitude to his game. This latest incident is a testament to his growing maturity and understanding of the nuances of Test cricket. As he continues to evolve, Rishabh Pant is proving to be not just a dynamic player, but also a shrewd thinker, making him a force to be reckoned with on and off the field.
