Rishabh Pant’s aggressive and unconventional approach to batting has often drawn mixed reactions. After enduring heavy criticism during the 2024/25 Australia tour, Pant returned to the England Tests determined to silence his critics. Despite a public reprimand from Sunil Gavaskar for a rash dismissal at the MCG, Pant responded with style, scoring twin centuries in the first Test and adding three more fifties, all while battling a fractured toe. He ended the series with a stronger reputation and more maturity, demonstrating his ability to balance risk with responsibility in key moments.
Tendulkar on Pant’s Resilience and Maturity
Pant’s willingness to take risks is one of his defining traits, but it was his improved shot selection and situational awareness that stood out during the England tour. His final half-century of the series, played with a broken toe, demonstrated the maturity he had developed, and earned him well-deserved praise.
However, despite his impressive performances, there were still concerns about whether Pant’s aggressive approach would continue to cost India in crucial moments. Yet, Pant showed a growing ability to assess the situation and adjust his style accordingly, knowing when to take risks and when to play more conservatively.
Tendulkar Explains Pant’s Intentional Fall While Sweeping
One of Pant’s most talked-about shots is his paddle sweep, where he often appears to fall over after making contact with the ball. This has led to criticism and misunderstanding about his balance. Tendulkar, however, took the opportunity to explain the method behind Pant’s unorthodox technique in a recent Reddit video.
“The sweep shot that he played, he likes to get under the ball to scoop it with some elevation,” Tendulkar said. “People think he has fallen, but it is intentional so that he can get under the ball. The secret to playing those shots is to be able to get under the ball.”
Sachin Tendulkar clarified that Pant’s fall only happens when the bowler delivers a fuller-length ball. “He plans his fall, that’s not him being off-balance. All of that depends on the length that the bowler bowls. He only falls when the length is fuller. He can play it easily when the length is farther away.”
Tendulkar Calls for Patience: “Let Pant Be”
Pant’s aggressive style and his ability to take risks at critical moments have sparked debates over his approach. Yet, Tendulkar believes that the young keeper-batter has matured and should be given the freedom to express himself without unnecessary criticism.
“There were occasions where people felt he shouldn’t have played that shot… but someone like Rishabh should be left alone,” Tendulkar said. He added that Pant’s approach would naturally change in situations where India needs to save a match. “When you’ve got to play 10-15 overs to save a match, he has to have a different approach. But it largely depends on the situation and time. He has used his experience brilliantly, he’s organised in his head, and he has executed that brilliantly in the series.”
Conclusion: Let Pant Evolve on His Own Terms
Tendulkar’s comments emphasize the importance of giving Pant the space and time to develop his game and trust his instincts. After a challenging but successful series, Pant’s growth as a player is evident, and with the right support, he can continue to evolve into one of India’s most dynamic cricketers.
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